Ilisa Halpern Paul

Federal rulemaking does not come to a complete halt during a government shutdown, but the process slows considerably. While issuing regulations and rulemaking during a lapse in federal appropriations is permitted, limitations in staff and operational support make it difficult for the rulemaking process to proceed. For many rules, pauses or delays in the rulemaking process should be expected.

After a nearly two-year delay, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office for Civil Rights, promulgated a Final Rule modifying the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations contained within 42 CFR Part 2 (Part 2).

After a nearly two-year delay, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office for Civil Rights, promulgated a Final Rule modifying the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations contained within 42 CFR Part 2 (Part 2).