Unlike traditional methods that often rely on in-person meetings or phone calls, which can create barriers due to scheduling conflicts or the anxiety of speaking about personal struggles openly, text messaging integrates naturally into a person's daily routine. This makes it one of the best ways to send and receive updates related to sobriety in patients that often need immediate care.
Substance abuse disorder (SUD) information and the law
45 CFR Part 160 and Subparts A and E of Part 164 (HIPAA’s Privacy Rules) provides a broader protection of all protected health information (PHI), including substance abuse disorder (SUD) related information. They require that any entity covered by HIPAA (like hospitals, doctors, and health insurance companies) protect the privacy and security of health information. The Rule ensures that personal health information is not used or disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge, except for specific purposes such as treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. The Security Rule, a part of these subparts, requires that electronic PHI (ePHI) must be adequately secured.
42 CFR Part 2 is specifically designed to protect the confidentiality of SUD patient records. It's quite strict, more so than HIPAA, about how health information related to substance abuse can be shared. Under 42 CFR Part 2, any program or provider who receives federal assistance and manages SUD patient records must obtain explicit written consent from patients before their information can be shared for any purpose other than direct treatment. This means that details about a patient's sobriety status, treatments, or even their presence in a program cannot be disclosed without clear permission from the patient.
Together, 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA form a framework for protecting sensitive health information. For SUD patients, this means that their journey towards sobriety, including all related health data and sobriety tracking, is handled with the utmost care and respect for their privacy. This dual layer of legal protection helps ensure that patients feel safe and secure when seeking treatment.
The realities of sobriety tracking
Sobriety is often tracked through face-to-face meetings and check-ins, where individuals report their progress to healthcare providers or support groups. This traditional method, while useful, has some limitations. It relies heavily on self-reporting, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies if individuals feel pressured or embarrassed. Moreover, these meetings can be infrequent, missing the chance to offer support at the moments it is needed the most.
Enter text messaging. It allows for immediate communication. This means that individuals can reach out for help the moment they need it, not just during scheduled sessions. It also offers a discreet way for individuals to report their status and receive encouragement, reducing the stigma or anxiety they might feel in face-to-face settings.
Text messaging can be applied in a variety of ways, this is comprehensively discussed in a Mobile Delivery of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders published in the Article Research Journal, “Text-messaging monitoring and reminder systems deliver reminders and prompt reporting of alcohol consumption, enabling continuous monitoring of alcohol use. Text-messaging intervention systems additionally deliver text messages designed to promote abstinence and recovery.”
How to use text messaging to set up sobriety tracking among patients
- Select a HIPAA compliant text messaging service that ensures that all communications are secure and patient information is protected.
- Clearly define what aspects of sobriety you are tracking. This could include daily check-ins, medication adherence, mood tracking, or triggers.
- Create templated messages that will be used for reminders, motivational support, or check-ins.
- Inform patients about the text messaging program and obtain their written consent to participate, highlighting the security measures and how their data will be used.
- Educate patients on how to use the system. This might include training them on responding to messages, what type of information to report, and how to seek help in case of an emergency.
- Set up automated texts that ask patients to report on their sobriety status, mood, or any challenges they face.
- Design the system to respond appropriately to certain keywords or triggers, providing immediate advice or alerting a counselor when a patient might be in need.
FAQs
What does HIPAA stand for?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Who needs to comply with HIPAA regulations?
All covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses
How does a patient sign up for HIPAA compliant text messaging services?
A patient can sign up through their healthcare provider, who will typically require filling out a consent form that explains the service, how their data will be used, and confirms their agreement to receive text messages
Kirsten Peremore
