Seeing a family member or someone close to you struggle with addiction can be unbearable. Disorders that come with substance use can bring about many problems, including;
- Problems in the family
- Poor performance at work
- Physical appearance deterioration
- Impaired coordination.
Due to the increasing number of substance use disorders, various states have enacted standard laws treatment centers must follow.
Involuntary Commitment Laws
These apply when someone else initiates involuntary commitment for you. It may be your relative, spouse, guardian, friend, or healthcare provider.
They must provide a certificate or testimony from a healthcare provider to the court. This document should affirm that you have examined and approved an individual’s treatment.
Emergency commitment ranges from one day up to five days with a provision for extensions. The most extended time for involuntary commitment might be from three days to an entire year. If that is the case, three months will be the most common timeframe. However, you have the right to a lawyer to represent you during the proceeding in this commitment.
Additionally, you have the right to petition whether your detention is lawful after getting committed. In case you petition, there are things you will need for the court to consider your petition. For starters, you will need to prove your addiction to alcohol and substance use. Then there should be evidence that the individual attempted to harm others or themselves. Moreover, you will prove that they will surely harm themselves physically if the individual is not contained.
Finally, for the courts to consider the petition, you will need to prove that the individual cannot provide for their basic needs. This applies if no one else like family and friends is willing to provide for those needs.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Laws for Grownups
Sometimes, people with substance use disorders are open to professional treatment options. For example, they may go to residential rehab, inpatient treatment, and even intensive outpatient treatment. Other treatment options may include outpatient programs and partial hospitalization. Unfortunately, individuals struggling with substance use disorders get opposed to treatment. Due to this, the number of states enacting drug and alcohol treatment has risen.
The Patient Confidentiality Laws
While addicts may struggle with the disorders, they might not take care of themselves and their health. However, this does not withhold their fundamental rights, such as confidentiality. Confidentiality is vital in any healthcare setting.
So, unauthorized sharing of patients’ information can lead to arrest and even loss of employment. Mental health confidentiality laws are to safeguard the rights of individuals undergoing treatment.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Policy and Accountability Act was passed in 1996. This act sets the standard for safeguarding the patient’s health information confidential. The HIPAA act needs treatment centers and healthcare services to protect the patient’s information when they transmit or transfer them electronically.
42 CFR Part 2
This law is mainly for patients’ confidentiality in the substance abuse field. The act outlines circumstances where you can disclose a patient’s information. Also, it safeguards all the documents relating to a client’s identity and treatment.
However, the treatment centers can share the information only with written consent. Sometimes, you may disclose information without consent under particular circumstances like medical emergencies.
Conclusion
If you, or a person close to you, might be dealing with substance use, you might consider going to treatment centers for treatment. It will be best to know that the center you choose has met the required standards.