The pandemic of 2020 has forever changed the healthcare industry.
Telehealth has never been more prominent than it is today. The convenience and safety that telehealth provides has been revolutionary in delivering medical care. And now, as telehealth grows, it expands across cities and state lines.
How do you maintain your teletherapy as you and your clients move and travel? Here are some tips to ensure you can provide your services from wherever you are:
1. Share Locations
This may be obvious, but keeping consistent communication between client and provider is key. Ask your client where they are at the beginning of each teletherapy session, and make a note of where they travel, or if they have plans to travel. Planning ahead can mean the difference between missed appointments and consistent healthcare.
2. Review Telehealth Laws
It is important to review telehealth laws before confirming appointments with clients out-of-state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states allowed for temporary practice across state lines, and more states are continuing to allow for such practices. Double-check the current laws in your state.
3. Contact Your State Board
The easiest way to get more information about the current telehealth regulations in your state is by contacting your state board. Connect with the board for your state as well as the state your client intends to travel to. Ask if they allow temporary practice, what paperwork or fees might be required, and if laws have changed due to COVID-19.
4. PSYPACT
PSYPACT is a set of flexible licensing laws that allow psychologists to practice teletherapy across state lines. This means that psychologists who are licensed in one of the participating states can practice in other participating states. Psychologists can also utilize flexible licensing laws by obtaining a Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) in order to practice across state lines.
5. Ensure Quality Sessions
The best way to practice teletherapy across state lines is to provide the same level of quality care as you would in your office! Make sure both you and your client have adequate access to Wi-Fi, and you have a backup plan for if the video conference fails, such as a phone call or a time to reschedule. Don’t forget to check time zones across state lines so sessions are never missed!
For more tips and support for private mental health practices, visit our website!
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We are here to help you get back to focusing on your passion: caring for your clients. Contact us today to learn more.