Tag Archives: Security
Texting and HIPAA
Two years ago, we at the TeleMental Health Institute published an article about safeguards to use while texting: http://telehealth.net/texting Some of our colleagues scoffed at our “paranoia,” including a malpractice carrier. Now that several more companies have developed text-encryption and other security/privacy services, and HIPAA violations are being punished, we see more responsible attention to [...]
Full StoryCanadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics as Applied to Online Therapy
Have you been told that we don’t yet have guidelines for legal or ethical practice online? Nothing could be further from the truth. If you are yearning for solid research looking at ethics in telemental health or online therapy, I strongly encourage you to read the recently published article in a special issue of “Canadian [...]
Full StorySkype Webinar Audio Recording: 3 Reasons SKYPE Can be RISKY to Your Practice & How to Remedy
This webinar received an unexpected overflow audience. Clearly, mental health professionals are concerned about the use of Skype. The recording of this webinar is now available with 1 CE for $27. ~ Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the TeleMental Health Institute, Inc., offering a Certificate training program in TeleMental Health for [...]
Full StorySKYPE & HIPAA (ePHI vs PHI)
There seems to be continued confusion about whether or not Skype is HIPAA compliant. Please allow me to post some of the additional requirements under HIPAA and let you consider if you are compliant when using Skype. First, there are the “rules” under HIPAA: transactions, security and privacy. Some of our colleagues see the security [...]
Full StorySkype and Security for Healthcare: Let’s Be Reasonable
While I have every confidence their systems will eventually be far more than HIPAA compliant, I’m reluctant to encourage any of my patients or colleagues to currently risk confidentiality for the sake of convenience. Until we get official word from these companies in a way that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will hold them accountable for any claims about HIPAA-compliance, I don’t think it’s wise. Just because we have the ability to deliver services online in email, chat room or via public videoconferencing network such as Skype or Google Talk, utilizing those abilities for direct client or patient care isn’t prudent or professional. That’s my opinion, what’s yours? Please comment below.
Full Story10 Strategies to Avoid Penalties for Health Information Breaches of Privacy & Security
US federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Office has announced that health care organizations that fail to protect health information privacy could pay up to $1.5 million for each violation. Indeed, penalties this is are severe. The real zinger is that these penalties apply even if you as the “covered entity” didn’t know—and would not have known — about the problem.
Full StoryEmail, Chat Rooms and Skype for Online Counseling, Online Psychotherapy and TeleMental Health Care: The Automobile Analogy
Just because we have the ability to deliver services online in email, chat room or via public videoconferencing network such as Skype, utilizing those abilities for direct client or patient care isn’t yet prudent or professional.
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