There is in effect a Federal Regulation, which prohibits the disclosure of any information regarding a person’s presence and / or status in any alcohol or drug treatment facility without their written consent. This regulation was designed to insure the privacy of any individual who seeks treatment for substance abuse. Any person who violates any provision of this regulation is subject to a fine of $500.00 for the first offense and not more than $5,000.00 in the case of each subsequent offense.

This means that written or oral information regarding any client/patient, current or past may not be disclosed. This includes any reference to identify physical whereabouts, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.