● ABC agency agrees to make available to XYZ agency, and other partners in the provision of services, the client information necessary for proper coordination of services in accordance with HIPAA standards. In instances when XYZ agency continues to provide medication management, XYZ agency will also send similar information to ABC agency for proper coordination of services. ● ABC agency agrees that at least one therapist will complete training and certification in telemental health practice and act as a consultant if the need arises. XYZ agency agrees to provide mental health services to shared clients, including but not limited to the following: ● Psychiatric evaluations and medication management. ● Lab requisitions required for medication management. ● Accessibility and assistance to clients using videoconferencing equipment. ● Collaboration with members of the service team. ● Collaboration with other partners (agencies), inpatient psychiatric facilities, and other community agencies. ● Management of emergencies and crisis interventions. ● ABC agency will collaborate with XYZ agency to develop a coordinated plan of safety. In an emergency, a client will be assessed by an on-site XYZ agency provider. If the provider determines that the client is in need of acute psychiatric crisis services, due to safety, medical, or time-constraint issues, the client will be provided services in accordance with local standard operating procedures. ● Either the client or therapist may require the presence of a medical/psychiatric technician during the telemental health sessions depending on the client’s needs. Based on the providers’ current understanding of the patient and the telemedicine consultation process, the selection of an appropriate attendant (physician, therapist, medical/psychiatric technician, or other support staff), if required, will be mutually agreed on before the start of the telemental health session. ● For telemental health sessions where the client or provider has not required the presence of an attendant to be with the client during the session, the following conditions must be met: ○ An attendant who can respond immediately to assist client will be available at XYZ agency. ○ An alternative communication medium (computer, phone, pager) must be available to notify the attendant at (agency). ○ Should an attendant be called, the session may continue, or the client or therapist may elect to end the telemental health session and refer the patient for an in-person evaluation at XYZ agency or a local emergency room if necessary. This referral may be either voluntary or involuntary in accordance with local laws and standard operating procedures. 1. XYZ agency agrees to provide adequate and suitable space for clients to use videoconferencing equipment for teletherapy. 2. XYZ agency will adhere to the following telepsychiatry protocol: ○ The client is scheduled for the intake appointment by an XYZ agency therapist. An ABC agency therapist will provide XYZ agency a weekly copy of the schedule for client therapy appointments. ○ At the initial appointment with the ABC agency therapist, a staff member may assist the client in coordinating an appointment with a psychiatrist at XYZ agency. ○ An XYZ agency intake coordinator will fill out essential chart components, get consent for treatment, obtain signed releases, and submit paperwork for service authorizations. ○ An ABC agency therapist will complete a biopsychosocial assessment and treatment plan and provide copies to XYZ agency for upload into the electronic medical record.
○ An ABC agency therapist will provide XYZ agency a copy of treatment progress notes. ○ XYZ agency staff will provide ABC agency a copy of medication management notes. ○ XYZ agency will bill for the originating-site fee. ○ ABC agency staff will complete the required paperwork for authorizations. ○ XYZ agency staff will provide the ABC agency therapist access to medical record information.
1. In accordance with HIPAA standards, as well as all applicable state laws, ABC agency and XYZ agency will collaborate as needed to provide optimum outcomes for mutual clients. With the permission of the client, ABC agency will send XYZ agency electronic copies of documentation of each service via secured email. In instances when XYZ agency continues to provide medication management, XYZ agency will also send documentation for each service provided to consumers.
Self-Assessment Question 1 Which of the following software platforms should clinicians avoid for telemental health sessions due to lack of HIPAA compliance?
a. Adobe Connect and Cisco WebEx b. Facetime and Google Hangouts c. Skype and Microsoft Live Meeting d. Vidyo and Vsee
EliteLearning.com/Counselor
Book Code: PCUS1525
Page 74
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