Under 42 CFR Part 2, which statements correctly describe disclosures?

• A. Disclosures require explicit patient consent; redisclosure is restricted without consent; disclosures for research or audits may be allowed with safeguards and in emergencies.
• B. Redisclosures are unrestricted
• C. Disclosures are never allowed
• D. Disclosures may be allowed without consent in emergencies

Answer: (A)

Disclosures under 42 CFR Part 2 are built around protecting the privacy of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The main idea is that, for most disclosures outside the treatment program, the patient must give explicit written consent that names who can receive the information and for what purpose. After a disclosure is made, redisclosures are tightly restricted and cannot be shared with others without additional consent, except in very narrow, defined situations. There are legitimate, limited channels for disclosures for research or audits, but these must include safeguards to protect confidentiality and usually require appropriate approvals or consent. In emergencies, disclosures may occur without consent when necessary to protect the patient or others or to coordinate urgent care, always within the protective framework of Part 2. This combination—consent-based disclosures, restricted redisclosures, and limited emergency or research/audit exceptions—matches the described statements.