HMH B38 - Ethics and Telehealth

Course Description

COVID-19 has resulted in many more mental health professionals utilizing telehealth. Telehealth includes using any information technology to deliver services (PC, laptops, tablets, cell phones, storage modalities, etc.). Practitioners do not need to be doing distance therapy to be involved in telehealth. Any use of electronically mediated devices for communicating, receiving or storing clinical information is practicing telehealth. This includes emails, texts, online scheduling or intake, use of social media sites, and arrangements with business associates for billing or other purposes. Best practices in telehealth require clinicians to be aware of a new range of clinical, legal and ethical considerations. Telehealth competence requires all the skills necessary for effective in-person treatment, along with additional expertise. This training addresses critical issues including confidentiality, informed consent, HIPAA standards, licensing requirements and social media policy. Whether you are able to choose your own mediums of communication or need to utilize an employer's, all mental health providers need to have this knowledge to protect clients, agencies and themselves. Satisfies the IDFPR ethics requirement for social workers and psychologists.