Law and Ethics of the Use of Technology, On-line Communications & Social Media

Recorded summer 2022

While new and emerging technology can provide clinicians with powerful and effective clinical tools, it also has the potential to create a range of challenges as well. In this workshop we will address the legal and ethical implications of using new and emerging technology by behavioral health professionals. We will identify and discuss the evolving standards found in state law and in the professional codes of ethics. Participants will gain the ability to identify and implement a legally and ethically sound approach to technology use, online communications, and social media – with particular attention to working with veterans. This course is intended to meet Law and Ethics CE requirements.

Learning Objectives

After taking part in this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify the legal and ethical standards regarding clinicians’ use of new and emerging technology
• Identify the legal and ethical standards regarding clinicians’ use of social media and online communication
• Create strategies for effective and ethical online communication and social media use
• Apply legal and ethical standards regarding online communications to clinical work.

EPDC CE Hours: 3

Presenter: Eric Strom

Eric Strom is an attorney and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As an attorney, Eric provides legal counsel, consultation and guidance to mental health professionals. The focus of Eric’s clinical practice is providing mental health counseling services to combat veterans. Eric is currently serving as the ethics advisor for the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association.