ATA Practice Guidelines for Video-Based Online Mental Health Services

Abstract

Table of Contents PREAMBLE SCOPE INTRODUCTION Internet-Based Telemental Health Models of Care Today CLINICAL GUIDELINES A. Professional and Patient Identity and Location 1. Provider and Patient Identity Verification 2. Provider and Patient Location Documentation 3. Contact Information Verification for Professional and Patient 4. Verification of Expectations Regarding Contact Between Sessions B. Patient Appropriateness for Videoconferencing-Based Telemental Health 1. Appropriateness of Videoconferencing in Settings Where Professional Staff Are Not Immediately Available C. Informed Consent D. Physical Environment E. Communication and Collaboration with the Patient's Treatment Team F. Emergency Management 1. Education and Training 2. Jurisdictional Mental Health Involuntary Hospitalization Laws 3. Patient Safety When Providing Services in a Setting with Immediately Available Professionals 4. Patient Safety When Providing Services in a Setting Without Immediately Available Professional Staff 5. Patient Support Person and Uncooperative Patients 6. Transportation 7. Local Emergency Personnel G. Medical Issues H. Referral Resources I .Community and Cultural Competency TECHNICAL GUIDELINES A. Videoconferencing Applications B. Device Characteristics C. Connectivity D. Privacy ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES A. Qualification and Training of Professionals B. Documentation and Record Keeping C. Payment and Billing REFERENCES.

American Telemedicine Association: Telestroke Guidelines

“…Healthcare professionals should ensure that their personal computer or mobile device has the latest security patches and updates applied to the operating system and third-party applications that may be utilized for this purpose. 15 Healthcare professionals and organizations should utilize mobile device management software to provide consistent oversight of applications, devices, data configuration, and security of the mobile devices used within the organization. 15 When the healthcare professional uses a mobile device, special attention shall be placed on the relative privacy of information being communicated over such technology, and access to any patient contact information stored on the mobile device must be adequately restricted.…”

“…15 Healthcare professionals and organizations should utilize mobile device management software to provide consistent oversight of applications, devices, data configuration, and security of the mobile devices used within the organization. 15 When the healthcare professional uses a mobile device, special attention shall be placed on the relative privacy of information being communicated over such technology, and access to any patient contact information stored on the mobile device must be adequately restricted. 15 This protection includes provider awareness of the physical environment in which they will perform the consultation and the security of any mobile networks that might be accessed.…”

“…15 When the healthcare professional uses a mobile device, special attention shall be placed on the relative privacy of information being communicated over such technology, and access to any patient contact information stored on the mobile device must be adequately restricted. 15 This protection includes provider awareness of the physical environment in which they will perform the consultation and the security of any mobile networks that might be accessed. Privacy screens and earphones should be considered for laptops or tablets that will be used or accessed in public spaces.…”

“…If multifactor authentication is available, it should be used. 15 All devices should be configured to utilize an inactivity timeout function that requires a passphrase or reauthentification to access the device after the time-out threshold has been exceeded. This time-out should not exceed 15 min.…”

“…This time-out should not exceed 15 min. 15 If video clips are used, appropriate processes for disposition of those clips shall be in place.…”