In this special episode, we provide helpful information for behavioral healthcare providers to better mitigate the risks associated with telemedicine.

The impacts of COVID-19 have changed the way we approach much of life, including how Americans receive healthcare. Social distancing, intended to “flatten the curve” and prevent further spread of the coronavirus, has dramatically expanded the use of telemedicine in the area of behavioral healthcare. It has become vital to engage with patients by telephone or video conference, especially as many patients experience increased anxiety or stress during the pandemic. Continuing to manage mental health needs is important to prevent mental health decline and potential consequences such as suicide attempts, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations during a pandemic that is already putting a strain on available healthcare resources. Because in-person appointments risk the transmission of COVID-19 and require the use of personal protective equipment already in short supply, telehealth has come to the forefront as a valuable alternative.

Episode Links:

Negley Associates
Mental Health Risk Retention Group

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Featuring:

• Susan Cohen - MSW is the Executive Vice President and leader of Negley Associates, a CRC Group Program. Sue and her team are located in Parsippany, NJ where they specialize exclusively in the behavioral healthcare, addiction, and
  social services space.
  
  
• Ron Zimmet - Mr. Ron Zimmet has practiced trial law in central Florida since 1975 and has served as General Counsel for the Mental Health Risk Retention Group (MHRRG), an insurance company owned exclusively by behavioral healthcare providers, for more than 33 years. While he is responsible for providing risk management services to those insured by MHRRG, he also serves as a consultant with Negley Associates, a leader in the behavioral healthcare insurance space. Ron leads Negley’s Individualized Risk Management Program (IRMP), using a variety of risk management and loss spectrum tools to help organizations reduce the risk to employees, clients, and the organization.
   
  An expert in the areas of personal injury, nursing malpractice, and medical malpractice, Ron has been recognized nationwide for his guidance enabling healthcare providers to provide safe, high-quality care. He is published in the Florida Bar Journal and has been a featured speaker in many risk management video and audio presentations.

Episode Timeline

8:17
When do providers need critical information about risk?

10:03
So what about some specific risk management suggestions about confidentiality specific to the telehealth intake assessments and therapy sessions? 

11:47
Do providers always need a signed release to gather information?

13:56
Are there times when a provider can disclose information without consent from the patient?

22:27
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed some of the confidentiality rules?

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