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1 CE Hour Available
Are you already practicing telemental health over state lines, or contemplating such practice?
Many forward-thinking health care professionals are drawn to practicing online because of the many inexpensive conveniences. The issue is that many are also unsure or simply incorrect about how to practice ethical and legal telebehavioral health and telemental health over state lines. They have questions about what they consider to be Skype therapy over state lines. They are finding plenty of information about practicing distance therapy legally and ethically, but the information is unwieldy and often, contradictory.
The good news is licensure is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance. This telemental health professional training program will outline the scope of distance therapy and detail telemental health licensure portability. You can easily learn what you need to know about licensure coverage for telemental health practice to have a thriving, worry-free, online practice.
Learning Objectives
Name at least three essential functions of licensure
Identify two reasons why calling yourself a “coach” to practice over state or province lines when you are licensed get you in more trouble than it is worth
List at least one way your malpractice coverage can automatically be nullified, despite your carrier’s claims that you are “covered” for online practice
TBHI Faculty
Dr. Maheu is a specialist in interjurisdictional issues (practicing over state lines) and has been an industry leader in telebehavioral health since 1994. With four textbooks, dozens of book chapters and journal articles to her name, as well as having educated more than 25,000 clinicians, she is in a unique position to guide you or your organization in finding a maximally profitable niche in this rapidly expanding market. She is a master at getting to the point and answering your questions with clear, actionable, evidence-based suggestions quickly and accurately.
Mariann Burnetti-Atwell, PsyD, assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards on September 1, 2018. Before assuming this current position, Dr. Burnetti-Atwell served as the Senior Vice President of Behavior Health Services for the national correctional healthcare company, Corizon Health. For the 15 years prior to that role, Dr. Burnetti-Atwell provided behavioral health and administrative leadership to the State of Missouri in a variety of roles. In addition, she served on the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists through the appointments of two Missouri Governors and had been an active member on ASPPB’s Finance & Audit Committee.
This program is for beginning and intermediate-level “telepractitioners” and “telesupervisors” wishing to deliver telemental health services in these disciplines:
Psychiatrists, Internists, Pediatricians, Gerontologists, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners
Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, Marriage & Family Therapists
Speech Pathologists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Behavioral Analysts, Substance Use Professionals
CEOs, COOs, Administrators, Billing & Coding Staff
Post Your Question About Practicing Over State Lines Below
Please help us prepare for this training event by posting your #1 most burning question about practicing over state lines below. We will try to incorporate as many answers as possible into the event. See you there!
Telehealth: How to Legally and Ethically Practice Over State Lines & International Borders
Practicing telehealth across state lines or international borders? Operate legally & ethically 100% of the time.
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Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Does the first assessment visit still have to be in person?
Hello David, The proposed 2023 Physician Fee Schule eliminates the need for that 1st in-person session, but it hasn’t yet been approved. To register your comment in that regard, see the link at the end of this article: 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule Expands Medicare Mental Health Coverage
Does the first assessment visit still have to be in person?
Judy,
At present, in most states and provinces, only licensed medical prescribers are legally required to conduct an initial in-person assessment. In fact, some states only require the in-person assessment for the prescribing of controlled substances, but not for other medications. As technology has improved, telehealth intake procedures are also improving. Better understanding of proper telehealth assessment protocols; better cameras, monitors, overall equipment, along with improved bandwidth, and reliability of connections have all contributed to the loosening of suggestions for in-person intakes. Always check with your board when in doubt, though. The boards are still so different one from the other that you need to rely on them exclusively to be your legal compass for every state that you enter.
Does the first assessment visit still have to be in person?
Judy,
At present, in most states and provinces, only licensed medical prescribers are legally required to conduct an initial in-person assessment. In fact, some states only require the in-person assessment for the prescribing of controlled substances, but not for other medications. As technology has improved, telehealth intake procedures are also improving. Better understanding of proper telehealth assessment protocols; better cameras, monitors, overall equipment, along with improved bandwidth, and reliability of connections have all contributed to the loosening of suggestions for in-person intakes. Always check with your board when in doubt, though. The boards are still so different one from the other that you need to rely on them exclusively to be your legal compass for every state that you enter.