In 2013, my son Max was involved in a devastating car accident that resulted in over 100 surgeries and a decade-long battle with addiction. When Max goes missing, I am left helpless and terrified, unable to confirm his whereabouts due to current HIPAA laws. These laws prevent hospitals, crisis centers, detox facilities and rehabilitation programs from releasing any information about patients - even simply confirming or denying their presence.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) was enacted with the noble intention of protecting patient privacy. However, it has unintentionally created barriers for families desperately searching for their loved ones who may be receiving treatment at these facilities.

We are not asking for detailed medical information; we are merely seeking confirmation if our missing loved one is safe within a healthcare facility. This small change could provide immense relief to countless families across the nation who are currently living in agonizing uncertainty.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), over 20 million Americans battled substance use disorder in 2017 alone. Imagine the number of families who might be experiencing similar distress due to these restrictive regulations.

We urge federal lawmakers to amend HIPAA laws so that healthcare facilities can at least confirm or deny the presence of a reported missing person. This simple act could potentially save lives by allowing law enforcement agencies and family members to continue their search elsewhere if necessary.

Please sign this petition urging lawmakers to make this critical change - because not knowing is not okay; it's torture.