Health Information Exchange
Tulare County Behavioral Health
24-Hour Crisis and Access Lines
Mental Health Services Access and Crisis Line: 1-800-320-1616
Substance Use Disorder Access Line: 1-866-732-4114
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Problem Resolution (Grievances and Appeals)
Behavioral Health: 1-800-500-4465
Substance Use Disorder: 1-833-433-4988
Health Information Exchange Participation
Tulare County participates in health information exchanges (HIEs), including an HIE operated by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). Through HIEs, your health information may be shared with hospitals, behavioral health providers, county health programs, physicians, social workers, and other HIE participants who may provide health or behavioral health services to you.
Some types of your health information, such as certain substance use disorder records, will not be shared with HIE participants unless you authorize such disclosures. Other types of health information, such as general health records, may be shared without your authorization in accordance with federal data sharing guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA allows for the sharing of your health information for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations without your explicit consent (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164). Additionally, federal regulations under 42 CFR Part 2 protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records and require your specific consent for disclosure.
If you do not want us to share your health information with HIE participants via the CalMHSA HIE, you may opt out of the HIE by:
- Notifying your local behavioral health provider, or
- Emailing the Tulare County Behavioral Health Administration: TCBHOptOut@tularecounty.ca.gov
Opting out will prevent future sharing of your health information via the CalMHSA HIE, but HIE participants may still be able to access information about you from sources outside of Tulare County Behavioral Health.
Opting out of the CalMHSA HIE does not affect your ability to receive medical care. Your health care providers will continue to have access to your health information as needed to provide you with appropriate care and treatment.
If you have any questions or need further information about the HIE or your rights under federal data-sharing guidelines, please contact the Tulare County Behavioral Health Administration: TCBHOptOut@tularecounty.ca.gov.
