Evolving standards of care in the age of cybertechnology. (16th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reamer, Frederic G.
• Other Names: Recupero Patricia Ryan guestEditor.; Felthous Alan R. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral sciences & the law. Volume 36:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2018-04-16
• Subjects: Mental health laws -- United States -- Periodicals; Psychology, Forensic -- Periodicals; 347.3044405
• DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-3936

Abstract

Abstract : Behavioral health professionals are making increased use of cybertechnology to deliver services to patients, communicate with patients, gather information about patients, and communicate with colleagues. The advent of cybertechnology – included the Internet, text (SMS), email, video, cloud storage of electronic records, and other forms of electronic communication and documentation – has introduced novel and unprecedented ethical and risk‐management challenges. This article provides an overview of emerging issues related to informed consent; delivery of services; privacy, confidentiality, and privileged communication; boundary issues and dual relationships; documentation; and practitioners' relationships with colleagues. The author highlights new standards of care that are being incorporated into licensing statutes and regulations; professional codes of ethics; and practice guidelines adopted by the professions of psychiatry, psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical social work.