The Ethics of Digital Practice: An Essential Guide to Providing Quality Care, Navigating Ethical Issues and Managing Legal Risk

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Faculty

Terry Casey, PhD Related seminars and products

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Terry Casey, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, HSP health service provider with over 30 years of professional experience, including a 16-year tenure as the director of counseling & psychological services for a non-profit agency with over 30 counselors at over a dozen locations. He is in private practice in Franklin, Tennessee, teaches ethics and professional issues in counseling at Lipscomb University’s graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, and guest lectures at Trevecca Nazarene University’s PhD program in Clinical counseling. Dr. Casey also served for several years as the chair of the ethics committee for the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors’ Association and in an advisory capacity for graduate counseling programs at two universities. He has presented frequently on ethics to organizations such as the American Counseling Association, the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association, the Nashville Area Association of Christian Counselors, and others. For more information, visit his practice website at rencounselingtn.com.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Terry Casey maintains a private practice and is a faculty member of Lipscomb University. He is a published author and receives royalties. Dr. Casey receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Terry Casey is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Tennessee Psychological Association, the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor Association, and others. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Objectives

1. Identify the five main perspectives of an ethical decision-making model to help you in clinical practice.
2. Analyze current clinical practices related to the use of technology, including distance therapy, social media, practice management systems, email and texting.
3. Determine applicable ethics codes, laws and license regulations pertaining to technology in clinical practice.
4. Evaluate the potential ethical courses of action to take in situations involving technology, using the Multiple Perspectives Model.
5. Analyze tools for a compliant practice including secure, HIPAA compliant Internet access, business associate agreements and telehealth law applications.
6. Develop clinical practice policies and procedures for a digital practice.
7. Evaluate how cultural differences might impact the clinical procedures and treatment plan for individual clients.

Outline

Navigating Ethics:

• A Multiple Perspective Model
• Ethical perspective
• Legal perspective
• Clinical-therapeutic perspective
• Institutional policies perspective
• Therapists’ issues perspective
• Cultural & diversity considerations

Navigating Technology Issues:

• Providing Quality Care and Managing Legal Risk in a Digital Age
• Websites & provider listing services
• Cloud-based practice management systems
• Distance therapy
• Social media
• Email & texting
• HIPAA Requirements
• Competence
• Informed consent
• Institutional / Private practice policy
• Insurance related issues

A Multiple Perspective Model:

• A Clinicians Step-by-Step Guide
• Evaluate problem from the five key perspectives
• Got ethics? Principles & standards
• Consultation essentials
• Decision making and documentation

Avoiding Ethical and Legal Problems:

• Strategies & Tips for Increased Competence to Avoid Risk
• Secure Internet access
• Importance of a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
• Telehealth laws apps
• Certifications available for distance therapy
• Communication and social media policy
• Practising over state lines
• And several more strategies to address common problems!

Application via Relevant Case Examples

• “Dr. Jones’ Website”
• “The Voicemail Message”
• “Distance Therapy Dilemma”
• “Ashley’s Tweets”
• “Facebook Friends”
• “Texting Issues”

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Case Managers
• Addiction Counselors
• Therapists
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Nurses
• Other Mental Health Professionals