Rule 13 Confidentiality

Federal and Commonwealth laws of confidentiality govern the Drug Court and its treatment programs. Disclosure of information received in the course of treatment is strictly prohibited unless a court order “for good cause” is issued. Participants must authorize the disclosure of information regarding their diagnosis, attendance, scope of treatment, treatment progress, quality of participation, and termination or completion of treatment. Participant’s consent will be documented in a consent form and shall include authorization to conduct research of treatment success, costs, and recidivism rates for participants. All parties and counsel attending the staffing are obligated to sign and abide by a confidentiality form. At the discretion of the Judge, anyone outside of the Program can attend Drug Court hearings but attendees are obligated to sign and abide by a confidentiality form.