Consent: Rules about Obtaining Consent to Disclose Treatment Information

Most general rule prohibiting disclosures are permissible if a client has signed a valid consent form that has not expired or been revoked (§2.31). To be valid, a consent form must be in writing and must contain each of the items specified in §2.31.

Consent: Rules about Obtaining Consent to Disclose Treatment Information

Consent: Rules About Obtaining Consent To Disclose Treatment Information

The most frequently used exception to the regulations’ general rule prohibiting disclosure is client consent. (Parental consent must also be obtained in some States. See below.) The regulations’ requirements regarding consent are strict and somewhat unusual and must be carefully followed.

Most disclosures are permissible if a client has signed a valid consent form that has not expired or been revoked (§2.31). To be valid, a consent form must be in writing and must contain each of the items specified in §2.31:

1. The name or general description of the program(s) making the disclosure

2. The name or title of the individual or organization that will receive the disclosure

3. The name of the client who is the subject of the disclosure

4. The purpose or need for the disclosure

5. How much and what kind of information will be disclosed

6. A statement that the client may revoke (take back) the consent at any time, except to the extent that the program has already acted on it

7. The date, event, or condition upon which the consent will expire if not previously revoked

8. The signature of the client (and, in some States, his or her parent)

9. The date on which the consent is signed (§2.31(a)).

A general medical release form, or any consent form that does not contain all of the elements listed above, is not acceptable. (See the sample consent form in exhibit 3–1.) ...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities