In 2018, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in conjunction with the
American Telemedicine Association (ATA) developed: - ANSWER-best practices for
providing videoconferencing-based telepsychiatric care
-guidelines inform the technical considerations and administrative requirements
needed to provide these services
best practices for providing videoconferencing-based telepsychiatric care: -
ANSWER--Use of a designated technology platform. Telesessions should not be
conducted using alternate platforms; however, an alternate plan, such as a
telephone call, may be used in case of technology failure.
-Provisions for the verification of confidential and secure client information.
-Sufficient bandwidth to provide clear, appropriate video and audio quality.
-Device compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996 (HIPAA) and state requirements.
During telepsychiatry sessions, both the provider and client locations should be
treated as a ______________ - ANSWER-confidential space
,During telepsychiatry sessions, provisions must be taken to ensure: - ANSWER--
the discussion cannot be overheard by other
-adequate lighting and ambiance is provided that is appropriate to the session
-place the camera so that the eyes and face of the participants are visible
Telepsychiatry Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Best practices - ANSWER--
Malpractice insurance
-Licensure requirements
-Federal and state prescribing guidelines
-Reimbursement
Telepsychiatry Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Malpractice insurance -
ANSWER-Malpractice insurance is required and some policies require additional
policies for telehealth.
Telepsychiatry Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Licensure requirements -
ANSWER-Licensure requirements differ from in-person practice.
-Providers must hold a license to practice in the state where the client resides.
-The PMHNP is responsible for following standards for the state in which they are
practicing.
,Telepsychiatry Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Federal and state prescribing
guidelines - ANSWER-Federal and state prescribing guidelines differ for
telepsychiatry.
-The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 governs the
prescribing of controlled substances via teleconferencing.
• To safely prescribe, the provider must conduct an in-person medical evaluation
at least once every 24 months and comply with all federal and state prescribing
guidelines.
Telepsychiatry Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Billing and Reimbursement -
ANSWER--Reimbursement varies by state and insurance provider.
• Currently, 48 states provide Medicaid reimbursement for telepsychiatry
services.
-pt made aware of any and all financial charges that may arise from the services
prior to the commencement of initial services
Telepsychiatry - ANSWER-a provider administers psychiatric care from a distance
through a technological interface
-a subset of telehealth
-telepsychiatric services
, • psychiatric interview
• psychiatric evaluations
• therapy
• medication management
• consultation
• client education
The American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2020) supports telemedicine as a
legitimate component of a mental health delivery system when telepsychiatry
services: - ANSWER--benefit the client
-maintain client autonomy, confidentiality, and privacy
-when used consistent with APA medical ethics policies and established
telepsychiatry laws
Telepsychiatry services are provided in diverse settings, including: - ANSWER-•
private practice
• outpatient clinics
• schools
• nursing homes
• correctional facilities
• military facilities