FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5469

                              C 162 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson and Talmadge)

Revising record release criteria for alcoholism treatment facility patients.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Human Services

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Registration and other records of alcohol treatment facilities are confidential and privileged to the patient.  Truthful disclosure of such treatment is often required of a person applying for certain benefits, such as insurance coverage.

Some persons have fraudulently denied receiving such treatment, but allegations of fraud or perjury have been impossible to prove because the law does not allow the court to order disclosure.

SUMMARY:

State law is broadened to bring it into accordance with federal law regarding disclosure of confidential patient records from alcoholism treatment facilities.

A court may order a person's alcohol treatment records be disclosed after application showing good cause.  The records may also be disclosed when the patient has given prior written consent, in cases of child abuse or neglect, and/or when a patient commits or threatens to commit a crime on program premises or against program personnel.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    0

     House 95  0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989