These guidelines are designed to address the developing area of psychological service provision commonly known as telepsychology. Telepsychology is defined, for the purpose of these guidelines, as the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies as expounded in the “Definition of Telepsychology.”
Introduction
These guidelines are designed to address the developing area of psychological service provision commonly known as telepsychology. Telepsychology is defined, for the purpose of these guidelines, as the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies as expounded in the “Definition of Telepsychology.” The expanding role of technology in the provision of psychological services and the continuous development of new technologies that may be useful in the practice of psychology present unique opportunities, considerations and challenges to practice. With the advancement of technology and the increased number of psychologists using technology in their practices, these guidelines have been prepared to educate and guide them.
These guidelines are informed by relevant American Psychological Association (APA) standards and guidelines, including the following: Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (“APA Ethics Code”) (APA, 2002a, 2010), and the Record Keeping Guidelines (APA, 2007). In addition, the assumptions and principles that guide the APA's “Guidelines on Multicultural Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists” (APA, 2003) are infused throughout the rationale and application describing each of the guidelines. Therefore, these guidelines are informed by professional theories, evidence-based practices and definitions in an effort to offer the best guidance in the practice of telepsychology.
The use of the term guidelines within this document refers to statements that suggest or recommend specific professional behaviors, endeavors or conduct for psychologists. Guidelines differ from standards in that standards are mandatory and may be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism. Thus, guidelines are aspirational in intent. They are intended to facilitate the continued systematic development of the profession and to help ensure a high level of professional practice by psychologists. “Guidelines are created to educate and to inform the practice of psychologists. They are also intended to stimulate debate and research. Guidelines are not to be promulgated as a means of establishing the identity of a particular group or specialty area of psychology; likewise, they are not to be created with the purpose of excluding any psychologist from practicing in a particular area” (APA, 2002b, p. 1048). “Guidelines are not intended to be mandatory or exhaustive and may not be applicable to every professional or clinical situation. They are not definitive and they are not intended to take precedence over the judgment of psychologists” (APA, 2002b, p. 1050). These guidelines are meant to assist psychologists as they apply current standards of professional practice when utilizing telecommunication technologies as a means of delivering their professional services. They are not intended to change any scope of practice or define the practice of any group of psychologists.
The practice of telepsychology involves consideration of legal requirements, ethical standards, telecommunication technologies, intra- and interagency policies, and other external constraints, as well as the demands of the particular professional context. In some situations, one set of considerations may suggest a different course of action than another, and it is the responsibility of the psychologist to balance them appropriately. These guidelines aim to assist psychologists in making such decisions. In addition, it will be important for psychologists to be cognizant and compliant with laws and regulations that govern independent practice within jurisdictions and across jurisdictional and international borders. This is particularly true when providing telepsychology services. Where a psychologist is providing services from one jurisdiction to a client/patient located in another jurisdiction, the law and regulations may differ between the two jurisdictions. Also, it is the responsibility of the psychologists who practice telepsychology to maintain and enhance their level of understanding of the concepts related to the delivery of services via telecommunication technologies. Nothing in these guidelines is intended to contravene any limitations set on psychologists' activities based on ethical standards, federal or jurisdictional statutes or regulations, or for those psychologists who work in agencies and public settings. As in all other circumstances, psychologists must be aware of the standards of practice for the jurisdiction or setting in which they function and are expected to comply with those standards. Recommendations related to the guidelines are consistent with broad ethical principles (APA Ethics Code, 2002a, 2010) and it continues to be the responsibility of the psychologist to apply all current legal and ethical standards of practice when providing telepsychology services.
It should be noted that APA policy generally requires substantial review of the relevant empirical literature as a basis for establishing the need for guidelines and for providing justification for the guidelines' statements themselves (APA, 2005). The literature supporting the work of the Task Force on Telepsychology and guidelines statements themselves reflect seminal, relevant and recent publications. The supporting references in the literature review emphasize studies from approximately the past 15 years plus classic studies that provide empirical support and relevant examples for the guidelines. The literature review, however, is not intended to be exhaustive or serve as a comprehensive systematic review of the literature that is customary when developing professional practice guidelines for psychologists.
Definition of Telepsychology
Telepsychology is defined, for the purpose of these guidelines, as the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies. Telecommunications is the preparation, transmission, communication, or related processing of information by electrical, electromagnetic, electromechanical, electro-optical, or electronic means (Committee on National Security Systems, 2010). Telecommunication technologies include but are not limited to telephone, mobile devices, interactive videoconferencing, email, chat, text, and Internet (e.g., self-help websites, blogs, and social media). The information that is transmitted may be in writing, or include images, sounds or other data. These communications may be synchronous with multiple parties communicating in real time (e.g. interactive videoconferencing, telephone) or asynchronous (e.g. email, online bulletin boards, storing and forwarding information). Technologies may augment traditional in-person services (e.g., psychoeducational materials online after an in-person therapy session), or be used as stand-alone services (e.g., therapy or leadership development provided over videoconferencing). Different technologies may be used in various combinations and for different purposes during the provision of telepsychology services. For example, videoconferencing and telephone may also be utilized for direct service while email and text is used for non-direct services (e.g. scheduling). Regardless of the purpose, psychologists strive to be aware of the potential benefits and limitations in their choices of technologies for particular clients in particular situations.
Operational Definitions:
The Task Force on Telepsychology has agreed upon the following operational definitions for terms used in this document. In addition, these and other terms used throughout the document have a basis in definitions developed by the following U.S. agencies: Committee on National Security Systems, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology. Lastly, the terminology and definitions that describe technologies and their uses are constantly evolving, and therefore, psychologists are encouraged to consult glossaries and publications prepared by agencies, such as, the Committee on National Security Systems and the National Institute of Standards and Technology which represent definitive sources responsible for developing terminology and definitions related to technology and its uses.
The term “ client/patient ” refers to the recipient of psychological services, whether psychological services are delivered in the context of healthcare, corporate, supervision, and/or consulting services. The term “ in-person, ” which is used in combination with the provision of services, refers to interactions in which the psychologist and the client/patient are in the same physical space and does not include interactions that may occur through the use of technologies. The term “ remote ” which is also used in combination with the provision of services utilizing telecommunication technologies, refers to the provision of a service that is received at a different site from where the psychologist is physically located. The term “remote” includes no consideration related to distance, and may refer to a site in a location that is in the office next door to the psychologist or thousands of miles from the psychologist. The terms “ jurisdictions ” or “ jurisdictional ” are used when referring to the governing bodies at states, territories, and provincial governments.
Finally, there are terms within the document related to confidentiality and security. “ Confidentiality ” means the principle that data or information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized persons or processes. The terms “ security ” or “ security measures ” are terms that encompass all of the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards in an information system. The term “ information system ” is an interconnected set of information resources within a system and includes hardware, software, information, data, applications, communications, and people.
About the Guidelines
Need for the Guidelines:
The expanding role of telecommunication technologies in the provision of services and the continuous development of new technologies that may be useful in the practice of psychology support the need for the development of guidelines for practice in this area. Technology offers the opportunity to increase client/patient access to psychological services. Service recipients limited by geographic location, medical condition, psychiatric diagnosis, financial constraint or other barriers may gain access to high quality psychological services through the use of technology. Technology also facilitates the delivery of psychological services by new methods (e.g., online psychoeducation, therapy delivered over interactive videoconferencing), and augments traditional in-person psychological services. The increased use of technology for the delivery of some types of services by psychologists who are health service providers is suggested by recent survey data collected by the APA Center for Workforce Studies (APA Center for Workforce Studies, 2008), and in the increasing discussion of telepsychology in the professional literature (Baker & Bufka, 2011). Together with the increasing use and payment for the provision of telehealth services by Medicare and private industry, the development of national guidelines for the practice of telepsychology is timely and needed. Furthermore, state and international psychological associations have developed or are beginning to develop guidelines for the provision of psychological services (Ohio Psychological Association, 2010; Canadian Psychological Association, 2006; New Zealand Psychological Association, 2011).
Development of the Guidelines:
The guidelines were developed by the Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists (Telepsychology Task Force) established by the following three entities: The American Psychological Association (APA), the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and the APA Insurance Trust (APAIT). These entities provided input, expertise and guidance to the Task Force on many aspects of the profession, including those related to its ethical, regulatory and legal principles and practices. The Telepsychology Task Force members represented a diverse range of interests and expertise that are characteristic of the profession of psychology, including knowledge of the issues relevant to the use of technology, ethical considerations, licensure and mobility, and scope of practice, to name only a few .
The Telepsychology Task Force recognized that telecommunications technologies provide both opportunities and challenges for psychologists. Telepsychology not only enhances a psychologist's ability to provide services to clients/patients, but also greatly expands access to psychological services that, without telecommunication technologies, would not be available. Throughout the development of these guidelines, the Telepsychology Task Force devoted numerous hours reflecting on and discussing the need for guidance to psychologists in this area of practice, the myriad, complex issues related to the practice of telepsychology and the experiences that they and other practitioners address each day in the use of technology. There was a concerted focus to identify the unique aspects that telecommunication technologies bring to the provision of psychological services, distinct from those present during in-person provision of services. Two important components were identified:
- the psychologist's knowledge of and competence in the use of the telecommunication technologies being utilized; and,
- the need to ensure the client/patient has a full understanding of the increased risks to loss of security and confidentiality when using telecommunication technologies.
Therefore, two of the most salient issues that the Telepsychology Task Force members focus on throughout the document are the psychologist's own knowledge of and competence in the provision of telepsychology and the need to ensure that the client/patient has a full understanding of the potentially increased risks to loss of security and confidentiality when using technologies.
An additional key issue discussed by the task force members was interjurisdictional practice. The guidelines encourage psychologists to be familiar with and comply with all relevant laws and regulations when providing psychological services across jurisdictional and international borders. The guidelines do not promote a specific mechanism to guide the development and regulation of interjurisdictional practice. However, the Telepsychology Task Force notes that while the profession of psychology does not currently have a mechanism to regulate the delivery of psychological services across jurisdictional and international borders, it is anticipated that the profession will develop a mechanism to allow interjurisdictional practice given the rapidity by which technology is evolving and the increasing use of telepsychology by psychologists working in U.S. federal environments, such as, the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
About the Task Force
The Telepsychology Task Force was comprised of psychologists with four members each representing the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), and two members representing the American Psychological Association Insurance Trust (APAIT). The Co-Chairs of the Telepsychology Task Force were Linda Campbell, PhD and Fred Millán, PhD. Additional members of the Task Force included the following psychologists: Margo Adams Larsen, PhD; Sara Smucker Barnwell, PhD; Colonel Bruce E. Crow, PsyD; Terry S. Gock, PhD; Eric A. Harris, EdD, JD; Jana N. Martin, PhD; Thomas W. Miller, PhD; Joseph S. Rallo, PhD. APA staff (Ronald S. Palomares, PhD; Joan Freund and Jessica Davis) and ASPPB staff (Stephen DeMers, EdD; Alex M. Siegel, PhD, JD; and Janet Pippin Orwig) provided direct support to the Telepsychology Task Force. Funding was provided by each of the respective entities to support in-person meetings and conference calls of Task Force members in 2011 and 2012. This draft is scheduled to expire as APA policy, no later than 10 years after the initial date of recognition by the APA. After the date of expiration, users are encouraged to contact the APA Practice Directorate to confirm that this document remains in effect.
Guideline 1: Competence of the Psychologist
Psychologists who provide telepsychology services strive to take reasonable steps to ensure their competence with both the technologies used and the potential impact of the technologies on clients/patients, supervisees or other professionals.
Rationale:
Psychologists have a primary ethical obligation to provide professional services only within the boundaries of their competence based on their education, training, supervised experience, consultation, study or professional experience. As with all new and emerging areas in which generally recognized standards for preparatory training do not yet exist, psychologists utilizing telepsychology aspire to apply the same standards in developing their competence in this area. Psychologists who use telepsychology in their practices assume the responsibility for assessing and continuously evaluating their competencies, training, consultation, experience and risk management practices required for competent practice.
Application:
Psychologists assume responsibility to continually assess both their professional and technical competence when providing telepsychology services. Psychologists who utilize or intend to utilize telecommunication technologies when delivering services to clients/patients strive to obtain relevant professional training to develop their requisite knowledge and skills. Acquiring competence may require pursuing additional educational experiences and training, including but not limited to, a review of the relevant literature, attendance at existing training programs (e.g., professional and technical) and continuing education specific to the delivery of services utilizing telecommunication technologies. Psychologists are encouraged to seek appropriate skilled consultation from colleagues and other resources.
Psychologists are encouraged to examine the available evidence to determine whether specific telecommunication technologies are suitable for a client/patient, based on the current literature available, current outcomes research, best practice guidance and client/patient preference. Research may not be available in the use of some specific technologies and clients/patients should be made aware of those telecommunication technologies that have no evidence of effectiveness. However this, in and of itself, may not be grounds to deny providing the service to the client/patient. Lack of current available evidence in a new area of practice does not necessarily indicate that a service is ineffective. Additionally, psychologists are encouraged to document their consideration and choices regarding the use of telecommunication technologies used in service delivery.
Psychologists understand the need to consider their competence in utilizing telepsychology as well as their client's/patient's ability to engage in and fully understand the risks and benefits of the proposed intervention utilizing specific technologies. Psychologists make reasonable effort to understand the manner in which cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic and other individual characteristics (e.g., medical status, psychiatric stability, physical/cognitive disability, personal preferences), in addition to, organizational cultures may impact effective use of telecommunication technologies in service delivery.
Psychologists who are trained to handle emergency situations in providing traditional in-person clinical services, and are generally familiar with the resources available in their local community to assist clients/patients with crisis intervention. At the onset of the delivery of telepsychology services, psychologists make reasonable effort to identify and learn how to access relevant and appropriate emergency resources in the client's/patient's local area, such as emergency response contacts (e.g., emergency telephone numbers, hospital admissions, local referral resources, clinical champion at a partner clinic where services are delivered, a support person in the client's/patient's life when available). Psychologists prepare a plan to address any lack of appropriate resources, particularly those necessary in an emergency, and other relevant factors which may impact the efficacy and safety of said service. Psychologists make reasonable effort to discuss with and provide all clients/patients with clear written instructions as to what to do in an emergency (e.g., where there is a suicide risk). As part of emergency planning, psychologists are encouraged to acquire knowledge of the laws and rules of the jurisdiction in which the client/patient resides and the differences from those in the psychologist's jurisdiction, as well as document all their emergency planning efforts.
In addition, as applicable psychologists are mindful of the array of potential discharge plans for clients/patients when telepsychology services are no longer necessary and/or desirable. If a client/patient recurrently experiences crises/emergencies suggestive that in-person services may be appropriate, psychologists take reasonable steps to refer a client/patient to a local mental health resource or begin providing in-person services.
Psychologists using telepsychology to provide supervision or consultation remotely to individuals or organizations are encouraged to consult others who are knowledgeable about the unique issues telecommunication technologies pose for supervision or consultation. Psychologists providing telepsychology services strive to be familiar with professional literature regarding the delivery of services via telecommunication technologies, as well as competent with the use of the technological modality itself. In providing supervision and/or consultation via telepsychology, psychologists make reasonable efforts to be proficient in the professional services being offered, the telecommunication modality via which the services are being offered by the supervisee/consultee, and the technology medium being used to provide the supervision or consultation. In addition, since the development of basic professional competencies for supervisees is often conducted in-person, psychologists who use telepsychology for supervision are encouraged to consider and ensure that a sufficient amount of in-person supervision time is included so that the supervisees can attain the required competencies or supervised experiences.
Guideline 2: Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services
Psychologists make every effort to ensure that ethical and professional standards of care and practice are met at the outset and throughout the duration of the telepsychology services they provide.
Rationale
Psychologists delivering telepsychology services apply the same ethical and professional standards of care and professional practice that are required when providing in-person psychological services. The use of telecommunication technologies in the delivery of psychological services is a relatively new and rapidly evolving area, and therefore psychologists are encouraged to take particular care to evaluate and assess the appropriateness of utilizing these technologies prior to engaging in, and throughout the duration of, telepsychology practice to determine if the modality of service is appropriate, efficacious and safe.
Telepsychology encompasses a breadth of different psychological services using a variety of technologies (e.g., interactive videoconferencing, telephone, text, email, web services, and mobile applications). The burgeoning research in telepsychology suggests the effectiveness of certain types of interactive telepsychological interventions to their in-person counterparts (specific therapies delivered over videoteleconferencing and telephone). Therefore, before psychologists engage in providing telepsychology services, they are urged to conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriateness of the telepsychology service to be provided for the client/patient. Such an assessment may include the examination of the potential risks and benefits to provide telepsychology services for the client's/patient's particular needs, the multicultural and ethical issues that may arise, and a review of the most appropriate medium (e.g., video teleconference, text, email, etc.) or best options available for the service delivery. It may also include considering whether comparable in-person services are available, and why services delivered via telepsychology are equivalent or preferable to such services. In addition, it is incumbent on the psychologist to engage in a continual assessment of the appropriateness of providing telepsychology services throughout the duration of the service delivery.
Application:
When providing telepsychology services, considering client/patient preferences for such services is important. However, it may not be solely determinative in the assessment of their appropriateness. Psychologists are encouraged to carefully examine the unique benefits of delivering telepsychology services (e.g., access to care, access to consulting services, client convenience, accommodating client special needs, etc.) relative to the unique risks (e.g., information security, emergency management, etc.) when determining whether or not to offer telepsychology services. Moreover, psychologists are aware of such other factors as geographic location, organizational culture, technological competence (both psychologist and client/patient), and, as appropriate, medical conditions, mental status and stability, psychiatric diagnosis, current or historic use of substances, treatment history, and therapeutic needs that may be relevant to assessing the appropriateness of the telepsychology services being offered. Furthermore, psychologists are encouraged to communicate any risks and benefits of the telepsychology services to be offered to the client/patient and document such communication. In addition, psychologists may consider some initial in-person contact with the client/patient to facilitate an active discussion on these issues and/or conduct the initial assessment.
As in the provision of traditional services, psychologists endeavor to follow the best practice of service delivery described in the empirical literature and professional standards (including multicultural considerations) that are relevant to the telepsychological service modality being offered. In addition, they consider the client's/patient's familiarity with and competency for using the specific technologies involved in providing the particular telepsychology service. Moreover, psychologists are encouraged to reflect on multicultural considerations and how best to manage any emergency that may arise during the provision of telepsychology services.
Psychologists are encouraged to assess carefully the remote environment in which services will be provided, to determine what impact, if any, there might be to the efficacy, privacy and/or safety of the proposed intervention offered via telepsychology. Such an assessment of the remote environment may include a discussion of the client's/patient's situation within the home or within an organizational context, the availability of emergency or technical personnel or supports, risk of distractions, potential for privacy breaches or any other impediments that may impact the effective delivery of telepsychology services. Along this line, psychologists are encouraged to discuss fully with the clients/patients their role in ensuring that sessions are not interrupted and that the setting is comfortable and conducive to making progress to maximize the impact of the service provided since the psychologist will not be able to control those factors remotely.
Psychologists are urged to monitor and assess regularly the progress of their client/patient when offering telepsychology services in order to determine if the provision of telepsychology services is still appropriate and beneficial to the client/patient. If there is a significant change in the client/patient or in the therapeutic interaction to cause concern, psychologists make reasonable effort to take appropriate steps to adjust and reassess the appropriateness of the services delivered via telepsychology. Where it is believed that continuing to provide remote services is no longer beneficial or presents a risk to a client's/patient's emotional or physical well-being, psychologists are encouraged to thoroughly discuss these concerns with the client/patient, appropriately terminate their remote services with adequate notice and refer or offer any needed alternative services to the client/patient.
Guideline 3: Informed Consent
Psychologists strive to obtain and document informed consent that specifically addresses the unique concerns related to the telepsychology services they provide. When doing so, psychologists are cognizant of the applicable laws and regulations, as well as organizational requirements that govern informed consent in this area.
Rationale:
The process of explaining and obtaining informed consent, by whatever means obtained, sets the stage for the relationship between the psychologist and the client/patient. Psychologists make reasonable effort to offer a complete and clear description of the telepsychology services they provide, and seek to obtain and document informed consent when providing professional services (APA Ethics Code, Standard 3.10). In addition, they attempt to develop and share the policies and procedures that will explain to their clients/patients how they will interact with them using the specific telecommunication technologies involved. It may be more difficult to obtain and document informed consent in situations where psychologists provide telepsychology services to their clients/patients who are not in the same physical location, or with whom they do not have in-person interactions. . Moreover, there may be differences with respect to informed consent between the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where a psychologist who is providing telepsychology services is located and the jurisdiction in which this psychologist's client/patient resides. Furthermore, psychologists may need to be aware of the manner in which cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic characteristics, and organizational considerations may impact a client's/patient's understanding of, and the special considerations required for, obtaining informed consent (such as when securing informed consent remotely from a parent/guardian when providing telepsychology services to a minor).
Telepsychology services may require different considerations for and safeguards against potential risks to, confidentiality, information security, and comparability of traditional in-person services. Psychologists are thus encouraged to consider appropriate policies and procedures to address the potential threats to the security of client/patient data and information when using specific telecommunication technologies and appropriately inform their clients/patients about them. For example, psychologists who provide telepsychology services consider addressing with their clients/patients what client/patient data and information will be stored, how the data and information will be stored, how it will be accessed, how secure is the information communicated using a given technology, and any technology-related vulnerability to confidentiality and security by creating and storing electronic client/patient data and information.
Application:
Prior to providing telepsychology services, psychologists are aware of the importance of obtaining and documenting written informed consent from their clients/patients that specifically addresses the unique concerns relevant to those services that will be offered. When developing such informed consent, psychologists make reasonable effort to use language that is reasonably understandable to their clients/patients, in addition to, evaluating the need to address cultural, linguistic, organizational considerations, and other issues that may impact on a client's/patient's understanding of the informed consent agreement. When considering for inclusion in informed consent those unique concerns that may be involved in providing telepsychology services, psychologists may include the manner in which they and their clients/patients will use the particular telecommunication technologies, the boundaries they will establish and observe, and the procedures for responding to electronic communications from clients/patients. Moreover, psychologists are cognizant of pertinent laws and regulations with respect to informed consent in both the jurisdiction where they offer their services and where their clients/patients reside (see Guideline on Interjurisdictional Practice for more detail).
Besides those unique concerns described above, psychologists are encouraged to discuss with their clients/patients those issues surrounding confidentiality and the security conditions when particular modes of telecommunication technologies are utilized. Along this line, psychologists are cognizant of some of the inherent risks a given telecommunication technology may pose in both the equipment (hardware, software, other equipment components) and the processes used for providing telepsychology services, and strive to provide their clients/patients with adequate information to give informed consent for proceeding with receiving the professional services offered via telepsychology. Some of these risks may include those associated with technological problems, and those service limitations that may arise because the continuity, availability and appropriateness of specific telepsychology services (e.g. testing, assessment and therapy) may be hindered as a result of those services being offered remotely. In addition, psychologists may consider developing agreements with their clients/patients to assume some role in protecting the data and information they receive from them (e.g. by not forwarding emails from the psychologist to others).
Another unique aspect of providing telepsychology services is that of billing documentation. As part of informed consent, psychologists are mindful of the need to discuss with their clients/patients what the billing documentation will include prior to the onset of service provision. Billing documentation may reflect the type of telecommunication technology used, the type of telepsychology services provided, and the fee structure for each relevant telepsychology service (e.g., video chat, texting fees, telephone services, chat room group fees, emergency scheduling, etc.). It may also include discussion about the charges incurred for any service interruptions or failures encountered, responsibility for overage charges on data plans, fee reductions for technology failures, and any other costs associated with the telepsychology services that will be provided.
Guideline 4: Confidentiality of Data and Information
Psychologists who provide telepsychology services make reasonable effort to protect and maintain the confidentiality of the data and information relating to their clients/patients and inform them of the potentially increased risks to loss of confidentiality inherent in the use of the telecommunication technologies, if any.
Rationale:
The use of telecommunications technologies and the rapid advances in technology present unique challenges for psychologists in protecting the confidentiality of clients/patients. Psychologists who provide telepsychology learn about the potential risks to confidentiality before utilizing such technologies. When necessary, psychologists obtain the appropriate consultation with technology experts to augment their knowledge of telecommunication technologies in order to apply security measures in their practices that will protect and maintain the confidentiality of data and information related to their clients/patients.
Some of the potential risks to confidentiality include considerations related to uses of search engines and participation in social networking sites. Other challenges in this area may include protecting confidential data and information from inappropriate and/or inadvertent breaches to established security methods the psychologist has in place, as well as boundary issues that may arise as a result of a psychologist's use of search engines and participation on social networking sites. In addition, any Internet participation by psychologists has the potential of being discovered by their clients/patients and others and thereby potentially compromising a professional relationship.
Application:
Psychologists both understand and inform their clients/patients of the limits to confidentiality and risks to the possible access or disclosure of confidential data and information that may occur during service delivery, including the risks of access to electronic communications (e.g. telephone, email) between the psychologist and client/patient. Also, psychologists are cognizant of the ethical and practical implications of proactively researching online personal information about their clients/patients. They carefully consider the advisability of discussing such research activities with their clients/patients and how information gained from such searches would be utilized and recorded as documenting this information may introduce risks to the boundaries of appropriate conduct for a psychologist. In addition, psychologists are encouraged to weigh the risks and benefits of dual relationships that may develop with their clients/patients, due to the use of telecommunication technologies, before engaging in such relationships (APAPO, 2012).
Psychologists who use social networking sites for both professional and personal purposes are encouraged to review and educate themselves about the potential risks to privacy and confidentiality and consider utilizing all available privacy settings to reduce these risks. They are also mindful of the possibility that any electronic communication can have a high risk of public discovery. They therefore mitigate such risks by following the appropriate laws, regulations and the APA Ethics Code (APA, 2010) to avoid disclosing confidential data or information related to clients/patients.
Guideline 5: Security and Transmission of Data and Information
Psychologists who provide telepsychology services take reasonable steps to ensure that security measures are in place to protect data and information related to their clients/patients from unintended access or disclosure.
Rationale:
The use of telecommunication technologies in the provision of psychological services presents unique potential threats to the security and transmission of client/patient data and information. These potential threats to the integrity of data and information may include computer viruses, hackers, theft of technology devices, damage to hard drives or portable drives, failure of security systems, flawed software, and ease of accessibility to unsecured electronic files, and malfunctioning or outdated technology. Other threats may include policies and practices of technology companies and vendors such as tailored marketing derived from email communications. Psychologists are encouraged to be mindful of these potential threats, and take reasonable steps to ensure that security measures are in place for protecting and controlling access to client/patient data within an information system. In addition, they are cognizant of relevant jurisdictional and federal laws and regulations that govern electronic storage and transmission of client/patient data and information, and develop appropriate policies and procedures to comply with such directives. When developing policies and procedures to ensure the security of client/patient data and information, psychologists may include considering the unique concerns and impacts posed by both intended and unintended use of public and private technology devices, active and inactive therapeutic relationships, and the different safeguards required for different physical environments, different staff (e.g. professional versus administrative staff), and different telecommunication technologies.
Application:
Psychologists are encouraged to conduct an analysis of the risks to their practice setting, telecommunication technologies, and administrative staff, to ensure that client/patient data and information is accessible only to appropriate and authorized individuals. Psychologists strive to obtain appropriate training or consultation from relevant experts when additional knowledge is needed to conduct an analysis of the risks.
Psychologists strive to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to secure and control access to client/patient information and data within information systems. Along this line, they may encrypt confidential client/patient data for storage or transmission, and utilize such other secure methods as safe hardware and software and robust passwords to protect electronically stored or transmitted data and information. If there is a breach of unencrypted electronically communicated or maintained data, psychologists are urged to notify their clients/patients and other appropriate individuals/organizations as soon as possible. In addition, they are encouraged to make their best efforts to ensure that electronic data and information remain accessible despite problems with hardware, software and/or storage devices by keeping a secure back-up version of such data.
When documenting the security measures to protect client/patient data and information from unintended access or disclosure, psychologists are encouraged to clearly address what types of telecommunication technologies are used (e.g., email, telephone, video teleconferencing, text), how they are used, whether telepsychology services used are the primary method of contact or augments in-person contact. When keeping records of email, online messaging and other work using telecommunication technologies, psychologists are cognizant that preserving the actual communication may be preferable to summarization in some cases depending on the type of technology used.
Guideline 6: Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies
Psychologists who provide telepsychology services make reasonable efforts to dispose of data and information and the technologies used in a manner that facilitates protection from unauthorized access and accounts for safe and appropriate disposal.
Rationale:
Consistent with APA Record Keeping Guidelines (2007), psychologists are encouraged to create policies and procedures for the secure destruction of data and information and the technologies used to create, store and transmit the data and information. The use of telecommunication technologies in the provision of psychological services poses new challenges for psychologists when they consider the disposal methods to utilize in order to maximally preserve client confidentiality and privacy. Psychologists are therefore urged to consider conducting an analysis of the risks to the information systems within their practices in an effort to ensure full and complete disposal of electronic data and information, plus the technologies that created, stored, and transmitted the data and information.
Application:
Psychologists are encouraged to develop policies and procedures for the destruction of data and information related to clients/patients. They also strive to securely dispose of software and hardware used in the provision of telepsychology services in a manner that insures that the confidentiality and security of any patient/client information is not compromised. When doing so, psychologists carefully clean all the data and images in the storage media before re-use or disposal consistent with federal, state, provincial, territorial, and other organizational regulations and guidelines. Psychologists are aware of and understand the unique storage implications related to telecommunication technologies inherent in available systems.
Psychologists are encouraged to document the methods and procedures used when disposing of the data and information and the technologies used to create, store, or transmit the data and information, as well as any other technology utilized in the disposal of data and hardware. They also strive to be aware of malware, cookies, etc. and dispose routinely of them on an ongoing basis when telecommunication technologies are used.
Guideline 7: Testing and Assessment
Psychologists are encouraged to consider the unique issues that may arise with test instruments and assessment approaches designed for in-person implementation when providing telepsychology services.
Rationale:
Psychological testing and other assessment procedures are an area of professional practice in which psychologists have been trained and are uniquely qualified to conduct. While some symptom screening instruments are already being administered online frequently, most psychological test instruments and other assessment procedures currently in use have been designed and developed originally for in-person administration. Psychologists are thus encouraged to be knowledgeable about, and account for, the unique impacts, suitability for diverse populations, and limitations on test administration and on test and other data interpretations when these psychological tests and other assessment procedures are considered for and conducted via telepsychology. Psychologists also strive to maintain the integrity of the application of the testing and assessment process and procedures when using telecommunication technologies. In addition, they are cognizant of the accommodations for diverse populations that may be required for test administration via telepsychology. These guidelines are consistent with the standards articulated in the most recent edition of Standards for educational and psychological testing (American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and the Council on Measurement in Education).
Application:
When a psychological test or other assessment procedure is conducted via telepsychology, psychologists are encouraged to ensure that the integrity of the psychometric properties of the test or assessment procedure (e.g., reliability and validity) and the conditions of administration indicated in the test manual are preserved when adapted for use with such technologies. They are encouraged to consider if modifications to the testing environment or conditions are necessary to accomplish this preservation. For example, access to a cell phone, the Internet or other persons during an assessment could interfere with the reliability or validity of the instrument or administration. Further, if the individual being assessed receives coaching or such information as potential responses or the scoring and interpretation of specific assessment instruments because they are available on the Internet, the test results may be compromised. Psychologists are also encouraged to consider other possible forms of distraction which could affect performance during an assessment and which may not be obvious or visible (e.g., sight, sound, and smell) when utilizing telecommunication technologies.
Psychologists are encouraged to be cognizant of the specific issues that may arise with diverse populations when providing telepsychology and make appropriate arrangements to address those concerns (e.g., language or cultural issues; cognitive, physical or sensory skills or impairments; or age may impact assessment). In addition, psychologists may consider the use of a trained assistant (e.g., proctor) to be on premise at the remote location in an effort to help verify the identity of the client/patient, provide needed on-site support to administer certain tests or subtests, and protect the security of the psychological testing and/or assessment process.
When administering psychological tests and other assessment procedures when providing telepsychology services, psychologists are encouraged to consider the quality of those technologies that are being used and the hardware requirements that are needed in order to conduct the specific psychological test or assessment approach. They also strive to account for and be prepared to explain the potential difference between the results obtained when a particular psychological test is conducted via telepsychology and when it is administered in-person. In addition, when documenting findings from evaluation and assessment procedures, psychologists are encouraged to specify that a particular test or assessment procedure has been administered via telepsychology, and describe any accommodations or modifications that have been made.
Psychologists strive to use test norms derived from telecommunication technologies administration if such are available. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the potential limitations of all assessment processes conducted via telepsychology, and be ready to address the limitations and potential impact of those procedures.
Guideline 8: Interjurisdictional Practice
Psychologists are encouraged to be familiar with and comply with all relevant laws and regulations when providing telepsychology services to clients/patients across jurisdictional and international borders.
Rationale:
With the rapid advances in telecommunication technologies, the intentional or unintentional provision of psychological services across jurisdictional and international borders is becoming more of a reality for psychologists. Such service provision may range from the psychologists or clients/patients being temporarily out-of-state (including split residence across states) to psychologists offering their services across jurisdictional borders as a practice modality to take advantage of new telecommunication technologies. Psychological service delivery systems within such institutions as the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have already established internal policies and procedures for providing services within their systems that cross jurisdictional and international borders. However, the laws and regulations that govern service delivery by psychologists outside of those systems vary by state, province, territory, and country (APAPO, 2010). Psychologists should make reasonable effort to be familiar with and, as appropriate, to address the laws and regulations that govern telepsychology service delivery within the jurisdictions in which they are situated and the jurisdictions where their clients/patients are located.
Application:
It is important for psychologists to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations that specifically address the delivery of professional services by psychologists via telecommunication technologies within and between jurisdictions. Psychologists are encouraged to understand what the laws and regulations consider as telehealth or telepsychology. In addition, psychologists are encouraged to review the professional licensure requirements, the services and telecommunication modalities covered, and the information required to be included in providing informed consent. It is important to note that each jurisdiction may or may not have specific laws which impose special requirements when providing services via telecommunication technologies. The APAPO (2010) has found that there are variations in whether psychologists are specified as a single type of provider or covered as part of a more diverse group of providers. In addition, there is wide diversity in the types of services and the telecommunication technologies that are covered by these laws.
At the present time, there are a number of jurisdictions without specific laws that govern the provision of psychological services utilizing telecommunication technologies. When providing telepsychology services in these jurisdictions, psychologists are encouraged to be aware of any opinion or declaratory statement issued by the relevant regulatory bodies and/or other practitioner licensing boards that may help inform them of the legal and regulatory requirements involved when delivering telepsychology services within those jurisdictions.
Moreover, because of the rapid growth in the utilization of telecommunication technologies, psychologists strive to keep abreast of developments and changes in the licensure and other interjurisdictional practice requirements that may be pertinent to their delivery of telepsychology services across jurisdictional boundaries. Given the direction of various health professions, and current federal priorities to resolve problems created by requirements of multi-jurisdictional licensure, (citations e.g., FCC National Broadband Plan, 2010, Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade 1995), the development of a telepsychology credential required by psychology boards for interjurisdictional practice is a probable outcome. For example, nursing has developed a credential that is accepted by many US jurisdictions that allows nurses licensed in any participating jurisdiction to practice in person or remotely in all participating jurisdictions. In addition, an ASPPB Task Force has drafted a set of recommendations for such a credential.
Conclusion
It is important to note, that it is not the intent of these guidelines to prescribe specific actions, but rather, to offer the best guidance available at present when incorporating telecommunication technologies in the provision of psychological services. Because technology and its applicability to the profession of psychology is a dynamic area with many changes likely ahead, these guidelines also are not inclusive of all other considerations and are not intended to take precedence over the judgment of psychologists or applicable laws and regulations that guide the profession and practice of psychology. It is hoped that the framework presented will guide psychologists as the field evolves.
References
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Articolo tratto dal sito dell'American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/telepsychology