Ethical and Confidentiality Challenges in the Digital Age: What SUD Providers Need to Know

The rapid expansion of digital communication has created new ethical and legal challenges for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers. This session will examine the confidentiality, boundary, and risk management issues associated with email, texting, social media, and mobile devices in clinical practice. Participants will review privacy risks under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, explore concerns related to intentional and unintentional self-disclosure, and identify practical strategies to protect client confidentiality while maintaining professional boundaries in the digital age.