Only relevant information may be released for reimbursement purposes as outlined by HIPAA. c. Therapist must document who is present and use appropriate billing codes. d. Therapist must ensure online payment methods by clients are secure. 13. Emergency Management a. Each jurisdiction has its own involuntary hospitalization and duty-to-notify laws outlining criteria and detainment conditions. Professionals must know and abide by the rules and laws in the jurisdiction where the therapist is located and where the client is receiving services. b. At the onset of the delivery of teletherapy services, therapists must make reasonable effort to identify and learn how to access relevant and appropriate emergency resources in the client’s local area, such as emergency response contacts (e.g., emergency telephone numbers, hospital admissions, local referral resources, a support person in the client’s life when available and appropriate consent has been authorized). c. Therapists must have clearly delineated emergency procedures and access to current resources in each of their client’s respective locations; simply offering 911 may not be sufficient. d. If a client repeatedly experiences crises emergencies the therapist must reassess the client’s appropriateness for teletherapy and if in-person treatment may be more appropriate. The therapists must take reasonable steps to refer a client to a local mental health resource or begin providing in-person services. e. Therapists must prepare a plan to address any lack of appropriate resources, particularly those necessary in an emergency, and other relevant factors which may impact the efficacy and safety of teletherapy service. Therapists must make reasonable effort to discuss with and provide all clients with clear written instructions as to what to do in an emergency (e.g., where there is a suicide risk). f. Therapists must be knowledgeable of the laws and rules of the jurisdiction in which the client resides and the differences from those in the therapist’s jurisdiction, as well as document all their emergency planning efforts. g. In the event of a technology breakdown, causing disruption of the session, the therapist must have a backup plan in place. The plan must be communicated to the client prior to commencement of treatment and may also be included in the general emergency management protocol. 14. Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Contact with Client(s) a. Communications may be synchronous with multiple parties communicating in real time including interactive videoconferencing, telephone, or asynchronous including email, online bulletin boards, storing and forwarding information. b. Technologies may augment traditional in- person services including psychoeducational materials online after an in-person therapy session, or be used as stand-alone services, such as therapy provided over videoconferencing. Different technologies may be used in various combinations and for different purposes during the provision of teletherapy services. c. The same medium may be used for direct and non- direct services. For example, videoconferencing and telephone, email, and text may also be utilized for
direct service while telephone, email, and text may be used for non-direct services or scheduling. d. Regardless of the purpose, therapists must be aware of the potential benefits and limitations in their choices of technologies for particular clients in particular situations. 15. HIPAA Security, Web Maintenance, and Encryption Requirements a. Videoconferencing applications must have appropriate verification, confidentiality, and security parameters necessary to be properly utilized for this purpose. b. Video software platforms must not be used when they include social media functions that notify users when anyone in contact list logs on skype or g-chat. c. Capability to create a video chat room must be disabled so others cannot enter at will. d. Personal computers used must have up-to-date antivirus software and a personal firewall installed. e. All efforts must be taken to make audio and video transmission secure by using point-to- point encryption that meets recognized standards. f. Videoconferencing software must not allow multiple concurrent sessions to be opened by a single user. g. Session logs stored by third party locations must be secure. h. Therapists must conduct analysis of the risks to their practice setting, telecommunication technologies, and administrative staff, to ensure that client data and information is accessible only to appropriate and authorized individuals. i. Therapists must encrypt confidential client information for storage or transmission and utilize such other secure methods as safe hardware and software and robust passwords to protect electronically stored or transmitted data and information. j. When documenting the security measures utilized, therapists must clearly address what types of telecommunication technologies are used, such as email, telephone, videoconferencing, or text, how they are used, and whether teletherapy services used are the primary method of contact or to augment in-person contact. 16. Archiving/Backup Systems a. Therapists must retain copies of all written communications with clients. Examples of written communications include email/text messages, instant messages, and histories of chat-based discussions even if they are related to housekeeping issues such as change of contact information or scheduling appointments. b. PHI and other confidential data must be backed up to or stored on secure data storage location. c. Therapists must have a plan for the professional retention of records and availability to clients in the event of the therapist’s incapacitation or death. 17. Standardized and Non-standardized Testing for Assessment a. Therapists must familiarize themselves with the tests’ psychometric properties, construction, and norms in accordance with current research. Potential limitations of conclusions and recommendations that can be made from online assessment procedures should be clarified with the client prior to administering online assessments. b. Therapists must consider the unique issues that may arise with test instruments and assessment
EliteLearning.com/Counselor
Book Code: PCUS1525
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