Information Sharing in Criminal Justice-Mental Health Collaborations: Working with HIPAA and Other Privacy Laws
This report from the Council of State Governments Justice Center's Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project is intended to help criminal justice officials work with health professionals to better use both systems' information, when appropriate, to reduce criminal justice involvement among people with mental illnesses and to provide better links to treatment. Supported by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, the guide explains the federal legal framework and how it relates to state laws. It describes how HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 (privacy regulations related to substance use treatment) may affect exchanges among behavioral health care; law enforcement; courts; jails and prisons; and probation and parole professionals. It reviews the circumstances under which protected health information can be released and received, and offers answers to scenario-based frequently asked questions. The guide was developed through advice from practitioners throughout the criminal justice and mental health systems, including program examples from members of the National Association of Counties.
Judge Nan Waller has taken her increased awareness of the challenges that people with mental health needs face…
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Montana's judicial branch is launching a data analysis of racial disparities in its criminal justice system.
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On June 23, President Biden unveiled a new strategy to direct significant federal funding and support to strengthen…
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How One Local Judge is Working to Improve Responses to People with Mental Health Needs
Judge Nan Waller has taken her increased awareness of the challenges that people with mental health needs face in the criminal justice system and used it to help inform decisions intended to improve people’s outcomes.
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Racial Disparity Analysis Aims to Improve Data Collection in Montana’s Justice System
Montana's judicial branch is launching a data analysis of racial disparities in its criminal justice system.
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New Federal Strategy to Reduce Violent Crime and Improve Public Safety: What States Need to Know
On June 23, President Biden unveiled a new strategy to direct significant federal funding and support to strengthen state and local violence-reduction efforts.
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Senate Passes VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act
On July 20, the U.S. Senate passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021.
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White House Invests $700 Million to Fight the Spread of COVID-19 in Prisons and Jails
On July 20, the U.S. Senate passed the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021.
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A Tribute to Alan V. Sokolow
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Alan V. Sokolow, who was instrumental in founding The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center more than 20 years ago.
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