10 – 28. Verbal inquiries a. Telephonic inquiries. (1) If the caller specifically requests information on a patient's abuse of alcohol or other drugs, the following actions will betaken (Such actions will also betaken if the answer to a more general question, such as health and welfare, would require the divulgence of information prohibited under the provisions of this section) (2) Inform the caller that statutes and regulations prohibit the disclosure of such information. (3) Request that the caller submit a written request stating the specific type of information desired. Included must be the purpose and need for such information. b. Inquiries made in face-to-face conversation. The policy and implementing guidance of this section make no exceptions for face-to-face inquiries. Commanders, supervisors, and staff officers should anticipate and be prepared to respond to such inquiries without compromising the patient's personal privacy. The guidance on telephone inquiries see para 10–28a, above) should be used for the conversation.
