MI HB5136

Department of Michigan must develop a standard release form by January 1, 2015 for exchanging confidential mental health and substance use disorder information among all public and private agencies and individuals involved in treatment.

All parties must honor and accept the standard release form unless subject to federal laws or regulations requiring more stringent protections for health information.

Department shall establish a workgroup beginning on the effective date to implement these provisions, meeting periodically but not less than once annually.

Standard release form must comply with all federal and state health information protection laws and must consider existing technologies, national electronic standards, HIPAA requirements, and prior state and federal methodologies.

Standard release form shall be available in both electronic and paper formats, with electronic transmissions accepted as originals by receiving parties.