This
outstanding resource will help you learn about the concepts of using
technology in mental health. The author, Susan Litton - a practicing
psychologist and IT professional, will show you that
using video and other technology is not quite as difficult or unsafe as
you might have thought. Litton demonstrates the things that can truly be
problematic and teaches you how to avoid them. When you finish this
book, you will be able to display not only expertise in your virtual
presence, but also competence in the standards and care of telehealth as
it applies to your profession, including, but not limited to, topics
such as:
• Security and transmission of digital data and information
• Telehealth standards of care
• Informed consent requirements for telehealth
• Interjurisdictional practice issues (primarily within the U.S. but touching on issues in other countries)
• Confidentiality as it applies to telehealth
• Issues around disposal of data and information
• Performing assessments with telehealth
• Diversity issues in telehealth
Once
you understand the concepts, you will be able to make wise choices for
using technology in your practice with whatever new thing comes along.
Also, there is a focus on solutions, not just abstract concepts, and the
reader will walk away with action-oriented plans you can begin to
implement right away.
Reviews
"Stop worrying! Susan has done
your homework for you! If you feel overwhelmed by HIPAA and rules and
regulations and software and hardware – relax. Help is here. Susan has figured
these things out. Don’t worry. Be happy. Keep it simple. Just do what Susan
recommends.... What a relief!"
-David
Woodsfellow, PhD,
The Woodsfellow Institute for Couples Therapy, Atlanta, GA
"With a foundation of training and experience in
clinical psychology and information technology, Dr. Litton provides a concise
and comprehensive guide to the complex technical and regulatory requirements
related to telehealth. Written in a refreshingly readable style, this innovative
resource is a telehealth instructional manual that is densely packed with
practical solutions."
-William
F. Doverspike, PhD, ABPP, Adjunct
Professor, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Program, Emory University
"What are often called 'tips' are expertise in tiny
bundles. Susan Litton’s new book is just such a collection. . . . [Her]
book is a solid introduction to telehealth and reading it will reduce any
anxiety and guide any clinician to enter and explore using telehealth in their
practice."
-Edward
L. Zuckerman, PhD, co-author
of The Paper Office for the Digital Age (5th ed.)
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Exactly is Telehealth?
HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA-Compliant Software?
Encryption
Business Associate Agreements (BAA)
What is a Business Associate?
Why Bother?
You Might Want to Read Your BAAs
Telehealth: Video
Do I Really Need HIPAA-Compliant Video
Types of Video Software
WebRTC
Native Apps
Best Practices for Achieving Good Quality Video Sessions
User-Friendly vs. Safe
Other Considerations When Choosing a Video Product
Video Software Summary
Your Virtual Presence
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!
Background
Virtual Backgrounds
Practice Management Software
Online vs. Desktop
What is Cloud/Online Computing?
Advantages of Online Applications
Advantages of Desktop Applications
Safety of Online Applications
Setting Up a Telehealth Office
Your Equipment
Presession Considerations
The Session
Postsession Tasks
Online File Storage
Notes and Dictation
Efax
EHRs and Portals
A Backward Look: Meaningful Use
ONC Health IT Certified EHRs vs. Non-ONC Certified EHRs
So . . . What is an EHR Really?
The ONC’s Cures Act Rule, aka “OpenNotes”
Some Hopeful New Directions
A Deeper Dive into Non-ONC Certified Behavioral Health EHRs
The State HIE Cooperative Agreement Program
Insurance and Billing
Legal and Ethical Issues
Risk Management
Telehealth Informed Consent
Originating Sites and Interjurisdictional Practice Issues
Performing Assessments With Telehealth
Diversity Issues in Telehealth
General Ethical Issues
Resolving/Reporting Ethical Violations
Competence
Retention of Records
Recording Video (or Phone) Sessions
Interruption of Services
Security and Transmission of Data
Implementing HIPAA
Intro
State and Local Laws
The HIPAA Privacy Rule
The HIPAA Security Rule
Summary
References
CE Program
For information about our approved continuing education sponsorships
and acceptance by state boards, please click here: Continuing Education
About the Author
Susan C. Litton, PhD, BFA, holds degrees in both mental health and IT
and is actively engaged with careers in both. In mental health, Dr.
Litton has been a clinical psychologist in private practice in Atlanta,
Georgia, since 1985. In IT, she is the creator and driving force behind
PSYBooks (www.psybooks.com), an online practice management system and portal for mental health professionals and their patients.
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