Rules, Regulations & Policies in Outpatient Mental Health

Many rules, regulations and policies exist to protect the integrity of outpatient mental health. Outpatient services are often expansive and provide extensive care for those in need. These services are protected by the law, but the law can also work in favor of the courts. Several of the major regulatory measures related to outpatient mental health services include insurance coverage, fair and unbiased treatment and confidentiality.

Insurance Policies

• Insurance coverage usually provides treatment for depression.

  Insurance policy coverage is one of the most overseen issues regarding outpatient mental health. In January 2010, the administration of President Barack Obama, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued "new rules providing parity for consumers" who seek mental health treatment. U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis states that it is now unlawful for insurance companies to restrict anyone with coverage on a group policy to "give these Americans access to greatly needed medical" and mental health treatment.

Fair and Unbiased Treatment

• Hospitals can provide outpatient mental health treatment.

  The law now states that outpatient mental health treatment must also be fair and unbiased. In the past, people with mental health issues often faced trouble covering treatment costs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that today "mental health (insurance) benefits along with standard medical and surgical coverage" are ruled to be treated equally with regard to "out-of-pocket costs, benefit limits and practices."

Confidentiality Practices

• Patients are protected by strict rules and regulations when it comes to the promise of a doctor's trust and confidentiality. According to Disability Rights Network (DRNPA) of Pennsylvania, if a mental health patient is over 14 years old, "a provider cannot release a consumer's records unless the consumer has provided a valid written, signed, specific and time-limited authorization."

Ruling Against the Patient

• Being a danger to a fellow inmate may deny a prisoner access to records.

  There are circumstances where a patient can be denied access to his or her own records. These kinds of outpatient mental health rules work in favor of the courts. DRNPA states that mental health records can be kept from a patient if records "were prepared in anticipation of legal proceedings" or "they are prison records" stating that the prisoner undergoing outpatient treatment is a danger to others.