Terry Casey – A Guide to the Ethics of Electronic Communication for Mental Health Professionals

Outline

Social Media – How to Avoid Ethical Nightmares

• Multiple Relationships and Top Boundary Issues
  • Virtual relationships
  • Presence on social media: professional vs personal
  • Clients’ privacy and social media – Dangers of “creeping”
  • Clinical example 1 – Danielle, Facebook & Twitter
  • Clinical example 2 – Lauren’s posted pic: Oops!
  • Clinical example 3 – “Well, that’s interesting…”: What Jennifer saw
• Creating a Solid Action Plan to Avoid Ethical Issues
  • Establish an Effective Social Media Policy (Examples Provided)
  • Post social media policy practice/organization’s website
  • Incorporating into informed consent process
  • Separate personal social media from professional social media
  • Respect the privacy of client’s social media presence

Email and Texting – Navigating the Legal Traps

• Encrypted vs Unencrypted Email
  • The importance of encrypting emails
  • How to encrypt emails
  • Recommendations for usage
• HIPAA Compliance Concerns with Texting
• Texting & Client Expectations
• Confidentially & Security Concerns
• Potential for Confusion
• Case Studies:
  • Example #1 – Dr. Baron, email and the at-risk client
  • Example #2 — Anna and Joy: Texting issues

Navigating Distance Therapy – 6 Ethical & Legal Keys

• Technological Standards Must be Met
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Business associates agreements
• Practicing Across State Lines
  • Subject to the laws/regulations of both states
• Technological Competence and Impact on Client
• Unique Informed Consent Concerns
• Policies and Procedures
  • Ensure data protection and avoid unintended access/disclosure
• Insurance Issues
  • Client’s insurance policies – reimbursement issues
  • Professional liability insurance – Is distance therapy covered?
• Clinical example – Joyce and the distance therapy dilemma