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Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Question:
I received a notice with a patient’s alcohol and drug abuse records that I could not “further disclose” the information. How can I send them on to SSA?

When providers of substance use services (drug and alcohol) release records, they are required to include the following notice from the CFR Title 42:2.32:

“This information has been disclosed to you from records protected by Federal confidentiality rules (42 CFR part 2). The Federal rules prohibit you from making any further disclosure of this information unless further disclosure is expressly permitted by the written consent of the person to whom it pertains or as otherwise permitted by 42 CFR part 2. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is NOT sufficient for this purpose. The Federal rules restrict any use of the information to criminally investigate or prosecute any alcohol or drug abuse patient.” Source: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/42cfr2.32.htm

However, the law allows the records to be disclosed to any entity the person names in the consent. When you complete the SSA-827: Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA be sure that it specifically mentions the release of drug and alcohol treatment records.

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Question:
What is the rate of approval for applicants who do not use SOAR? The statistics appear positive but would be more useful if shown in comparison to the overall population of those applying and/or those who do not use SOAR.

Great question! Check out our most up-to-date National Outcomes to see how SOAR-assisted applications compare to those without SOAR assistance.

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Question:
Is the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) Program HIPAA Compliant?

Yes, the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program is fully HIPAA compliant. The system does not collect any personally identifying information about applicants during any part of the process. When users add a new applicant to the database, they create a unique applicant ID. The use of this ID avoids the need for personally identifiable information and helps prevent case duplication.

The ID is a 10-digit alphanumeric in the following format: xx00xx0000 (2 letters/2numbers/2 letters/4 numbers). It can be any letters and numbers you choose - just be sure to note it in your hard copy records.

Additional demographic information collected about an applicant is limited to age (without birthdate) and gender.

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