Teletherapy and HIPAA

Below is a sample of the many resources you’ll find in the NASW Research Library on teletherapy and HIPAA.

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Example Resources

Document: Online and phone therapy: Challenges and opportunities

Authors: Kingsley, Alana; Henning, Janna A.
Source: Journal of Individual Psychology. Summer 2015, Vol. 71 Issue 2, p185-194.

This article reviews the existing literature on the potential advantages and drawbacks of therapy that is conducted when the clinician and client are not sitting in the same room. Specifically, forms of psychotherapy that are conducted via the telephone, e-mail, and video chat are addressed.

Evolving standards of care in the age of cybertechnology

Author: Reamer, Frederic G.
Source: Behavioral Sciences & the Law. March/April 2018, Vol. 36 Issue 2, p257-269.

This article provides an overview of emerging issues related to informed consent; delivery of services; privacy, confidentiality, and privileged communication; boundary issues and dual relationships; documentation; and practitioners' relationships with colleagues. The author highlights new standards of care that are being incorporated into licensing statutes and regulations; professional codes of ethics; and practice guidelines adopted by the professions of psychiatry, psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical social work.

Informed consent agreements: Standards of care for digital social work practices

Author: Mattison, Marian
Source: Journal of Social Work Education. 2018, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p227-238.

As standards of care for distance service provision have not been firmly established, social workers are duty bound to be well-informed about current laws, duties, and obligations including specific rules governing the practice of social work in the states where they deliver remote services. This article identifies distinct threats to privacy and confidentiality associated with e-practices and offers suggested content for a comprehensive informed consent policy.

American Telemedicine Association's principles for delivering telerehabilitation services

Authors: Richmond, Tammy; Peterson, Christopher; Cason, Jana; Billings, Mike; Terrell, Evelyn Abrahante; Lee, Alan Chong W.; Towey, Michael; Parmanto, Bambang; Saptono, Andi; Cohn, Ellen R.; Brennan, David
Source: International Journal of Telerehabilitation. Fall 2017, Vol. 9 Issue 2, p63-67.

This document was adapted from the American Telemedicine Association’s (ATA) “A Blueprint for Telerehabilitation Guidelines” (2010) and reflects the current utilization of telerehabilitation services. It was developed collaboratively by members of the ATA Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group, with input and guidance from other practitioners in the field, strategic stakeholders, and ATA staff.

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