1/ There is a lot of misinformation circulating about teletherapy, leading some therapists to pay for expensive videoconference services they don’t need. Some of the misinformation is coming from our own professional associations. I'll clarify some things in this thread.
2/ First, there is no such thing as a “HIPAA compliant” videoconference service. HIPAA does not certify videoconference services. The relevant question is whether a videoconference service is a "business associate" or just a "conduit" for transmitting information like the
3/ post office or phone company. The latter are not “business associates” and HIPAA does not apply.
If a videoconference service only *transmits* information, then it is a "conduit" and can be used without concern. But if it *stores* patient information that it can access,
If a videoconference service only *transmits* information, then it is a "conduit" and can be used without concern. But if it *stores* patient information that it can access,
4/ it would technically be a business associate & a signed Business Associates Agreement (BAA) is needed. In the latter case, what makes the clinician "compliant" is not the *technology* but the existence of the BAA.
Facetime, which is free to anyone with an apple device,
Facetime, which is free to anyone with an apple device,
5/ does not store information, therefore is a "conduit" and can be used without concern. This isn't just my opinion, it's the conclusion reached, e.g., by the VA. Skype, on the other hand, does store & could potentially access transmitted information, therefore a clinician
7/ one for free. Vsee charges a subscription fee if you want one. But because they are "conduits," they are actually not required.
Finally, there has yet to be a single case of a therapist getting in legal trouble because of the wrong videoconference service. A colleague has a
Finally, there has yet to be a single case of a therapist getting in legal trouble because of the wrong videoconference service. A colleague has a
8/ standing offer to donate money to anyone’s charity of choice if they can provide info about a mental health professional getting in trouble for this reason. So far, no takers. That’s not to say there won’t be a first & you don’t want to be that person. I'm just saying it's
9/ better to make choices based on accurate information than fear. If you want an expensive videoconference subscription because you like the service/features, go for it. It's your choice, not an obligation.
Hope this info is helpful to someone getting started with telehealth.
Hope this info is helpful to someone getting started with telehealth.
