By Jamelia R. Hand MHS CASC CODP I Nick ran the outpatient pharmacy at Jackson Park Hospital in a way that never felt transactional. Patients would walk up to the counter with a prescription, but what they were really bringing with them was a story. Some were doing well and just needed a refill. Others were barely holding it together and trying to make it through another day without using. Nick knew the difference without needing a chart in front of him. He paid attention to

The new 42 CFR Part 2 rules are in effect… This week marks a big shift in how federal privacy rules are enforced for substance use treatment data. As of February 16, 2026 , the updated Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records rules under 42 CFR Part 2 are officially enforceable by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) . This means OCR can now investigate complaints, require breach reports and issue civil penalties if

Continuity in Care Amid Federal Restructuring As federal appropriations remain stalled and agency restructuring continues, continuity of behavioral health and addiction treatment services has never been more critical. This week, both providers and payers must prepare for shifting rules and uncertain funding, while local and state systems begin filling gaps once managed at the federal level. This Week’s Key Developments 1. Government Shutdown Continues- The shutdown that began

By Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP I On April 2, 2025, a long-awaited update to the Illinois Administrative Code Part 2060, the foundational regulatory framework for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment providers, was officially adopted by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR). This update, years in the making, reflects input from providers across the state and aims to modernize regulations to better reflect today’s cl

By: Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP I I recently got a call from a substance use disorders treatment provider who saw my LinkedIn post about...

By: Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP In a recent turn of events, the White House ordered a pause on all federal grants and loans, effective at...

By: Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP Gina was one of the most exceptional counselors i’ve worked with. Her ability to connect with patients and...