Law & Ethics of Telehealth: 2023 Update-WMHCA

Presented By

2 Law and Ethics CEs Recorded: Spring, 2023

The events of the last few years have sent unprecedented numbers of healthcare providers online. Technology has provided us with powerful tools to continue to connect and communicate in a changing environment. With the end of the Federally Declared COVID Emergency in May of 2023, we are likely to see many new changes to the telehealth environment.

This 2 hour law & ethics seminar is designed to present an update to the legal and ethical considerations of telehealth practice. In this seminar we will discuss current Washington State and Federal telehealth laws, liability and informed consent relating to telehealth, and the range of applicable ethical codes. Particular focus will be on the impacts of the end of the Federally Declared COVID Emergency.

Participants will gain an understanding of how to strategically implement technologies in their clinical practice. This workshop is intended to meet law and ethics content requirements and to fulfill the Washington State Telemedicine Training requirements.

Learning Objectives:

After this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify current Washington State and federal laws regarding telehealth; • Describe the impacts of the end of the Federally Declared COVID Emergency; • Evaluate the evolving risks and benefits of providing clinical services via telehealth; • Articulate best practices regarding the provision of telehealth services.

Agenda

1. Sources of Standards (20 minutes)
2. Legal Standards (40 minutes)
3. Ethical Standards (20 minutes)
4. Telehealth Effectiveness & Accessibility (20 minutes)
5. Jurisdictional Considerations (40 minutes)
6. Payment Issues (20 minutes)
7. What’s next? (20 minutes)

EPDC CE Hours: 2

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.