Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information Related to Behavioral Health

The Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information Related to Behavioral Health is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is authorized under federal statutes including the 21st Century Cures Act and the Public Health Service Act, reflecting a national priority to strengthen behavioral health systems through improved understanding and application of privacy laws. The initiative is designed to establish a single national Center of Excellence that will serve as a leading authority in the interpretation and dissemination of federal and state privacy regulations affecting behavioral health information. The primary purpose of the program is to develop and disseminate training, technical assistance, and educational resources that clarify complex privacy laws such as HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and FERPA. These laws govern the confidentiality of substance use disorder records and other sensitive health information. The funded Center is expected to translate these regulations into accessible materials for a wide audience, including healthcare providers, patients, families, educators, and government agencies. By doing so, the program aims to improve compliance among practitioners while ensuring that patients and families understand their rights regarding behavioral health data. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, with an estimated total program funding of one million dollars annually and a single award anticipated. The project period extends up to three years, allowing for sustained development and dissemination of training resources. Funds are primarily intended for training and technical assistance activities, including the creation of educational materials, webinars, and outreach strategies. There are strict funding limitations, including caps on indirect costs and prohibitions on certain activities that do not align with federal policy priorities. Eligible applicants include a broad range of domestic public and private nonprofit entities, such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofit institutions. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement a national-level program and must designate key personnel, including a full-time Project Director with relevant expertise. The application process requires submission through federal systems such as Grants.gov and eRA Commons and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting attachments. Applicants must also comply with federal registration requirements and provide documentation of nonprofit status if applicable. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process that considers the proposed project’s alignment with program goals, the organization’s experience, and the strength of its implementation plan. Review criteria include the identification of target audiences, the clarity of objectives, organizational capacity, and plans for data collection and performance measurement. Awards are expected to be announced in early September, with project activities beginning later that month. The application deadline for the current cycle is July 27, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Throughout the project period, the recipient will be required to engage in ongoing collaboration with federal partners, participate in regular meetings, and submit performance reports. The Center must also ensure accessibility of all materials and maintain compliance with federal regulations. Importantly, while the Center will provide guidance and education on privacy laws, it is explicitly prohibited from offering formal legal advice. This initiative represents a comprehensive effort to enhance the behavioral health field’s understanding of privacy protections and to promote consistent, lawful handling of sensitive health information nationwide.

Ensure alignment with SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly demonstrate capacity for national training delivery; provide strong data collection and evaluation plans