The learning objectives for the telemental health training which is mandatory to complete and pass to be able to apply for the comprehensive exam to obtain the credential of Board Certification in Telemental Health.
Course 1. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Orientation
Course 2. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Practitioner Protocols and Informed Consent
Course 3. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Implementation
Course 4. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Professional, Legal, and Compliance Standards
Course 5. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Professional Ethics
Course 6. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Crisis Management
Telemental health is the use of electronic means or technology to provide medical and mental health services by any medical or mental health discipline. It is not a separate medical or mental health service. It is simply a different means through which a practitioner can deliver services that have historically been delivered in person in the medical and mental health field. Telemental health is discipline neutral, meaning that all medical and mental health disciplines can use the technology modality to provide services per the practitioner’s professional discretion.
The need for medical and mental health has dramatically increased and, with advances in technology and current health concerns, the use of patient care at a distance has also increased. All age groups and all diagnoses have shown an increase in the need for treatment. With the increased use of telemental health, there is an increased need for education and compliance during a telemental health appointment.
Research into telemental health has consistently shown it to be an effective delivery system for medical and mental health services. Some studies have even found that telemental health services may be preferable to in-person care in certain populations and situations. Children and adolescents and veterans seem to especially benefit from the use of telemental health. Telemental health is NOT the be-all and end-all in the delivery of patient care. Nor is it for every patient or every practitioner. Clearly, there are limitations. The limitations may be driven by a particular practitioner’s level of skill or confidence in treating certain diagnosis remotely. This course is to provide education, compliance and competency concerning regulatory agencies and payors for telemental health.
Domain 1. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Orientation
A. Differentiate between TMH and non-TMH practice
B. Distinguish between various technological modalities
C. Evaluate and select technologies for TMH
D. Explain the benefits and risks of different TMH modalities
E. Explain the public health need for TMH
F. Identify the different settings for TMH practice
G. Know security aspects of different technologies
H. Know terminology relevant to TMH
I. Know the terms related to technology
J. Know the TMH requirements toward ongoing training, knowledge, and supervision
K. Know hardware, software, and internet connection needs
L. Understand contraindications for TMH
M. Understand the history of TMH
N. Understand the need for various options for local area supports
Domain 2. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Practitioner Protocols and Informed Consent
A. Clarify expectations for TMH sessions
B. Facilitate the TMH disclosure and informed consent process in an ethical manner
C. Establish a policy for social media
D. Establish protocol to clarify bounds and requirements of the practitioner when client is in crisis
E. Explain benefits and risks of different TMH modalities
F. Explain challenges and risks of TMH (e.g., technology failure, confidentiality, private connection)
G. Prepare a protocol for management of technical difficulties
H. Establish and adhere to verification protocols for safety and privacy
I. Establish and adhere to verification protocols for identity and location
J. Prepare a protocol for establishing local resources and an emergency contact
Domain 3. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Implementation
A. Address concerns of clients related to TMH
B. Apply required technology security protocols
C. Apply setting-specific security needs
D. Conduct ongoing assessment of the client’s personal resources and abilities
E. Consider risk factors (e.g., domestic violence, suicidality, homicidality, systemic challenges)
F. Demonstrate to the client how to access technology of choice
G. Determine client resources and abilities in relation to TMH
H. Develop rapport with clients across TMH modalities
I. Establish client identity in a virtual environment
J. Establish client safety prior to session
K. Evaluate ongoing effectiveness of TMH
L. Familiarize self with client local, state, and national community resources
M. Implement screening for suitability to engage in TMH
N. Model practitioner TMH etiquette within different modalities
O. Obtain and maintain adequate documentation
P. Perform ongoing client risk assessments
Q. Troubleshoot technical difficulties and poor quality of communication
R. Monitor ongoing informed consent
Domain 4. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Professional, Legal, and Compliance Standards
A. Adhere to the Client’s Bill of Rights
B. Conduct technology risk assessment
C. Demonstrate appropriate response to data loss
D. Demonstrate appropriate response to security breaches
E. Understand and maintain HITECH compliance
F. Explain Protected Health Information (PHI)
G. Follow rules and regulations related to storing and destroying session recordings and documentation
H. Follow rules and regulations related to recording sessions
I. Follow state and federal laws directing TMH practice
J. Know order of authority between state-level and federal regulations
K. Know risks of security breaches
L. Know the consequences of noncompliance
M. Know the importance of business associate agreements
N. Know the types of safeguards (technological, administrative, and physical) for risks and threats
O. Know what constitutes a breach
P. Know who can and cannot access PHI and when
Q. Understand and maintain HIPAA (covered entities, privacy rule, security rule, privacy officer)
Domain 5. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Professional Ethics
A. Consider the risks to diverse populations of using various emergency management systems
B. Understand and apply best practices in TMH
C. Utilize resources available to troubleshoot TMH issues
D. Document ethically
E. Follow ethical guidelines related to screening and intake
F. Follow ethical guidelines with social media
G. Maintain confidentiality with respect to TMH modality
H. Follow ethical guidelines pertaining to practitioner values and biases
I. Operate within your scope of practice
J. Sustain ethical clinician relationships/boundaries
K. Use technology ethically
Domain 6. Learning Objectives for Telemental Health Crisis Management
A. Apply best practices in culturally appropriate crisis intervention
B. Assess if client is in crisis
C. Create an emergency management plan
D. Employ de-escalation strategies in crisis
E. Identify the signs of a crisis
F. Initiate involuntary commitment process
G. Maintain elements of a safety plan
H. Manage a list of active client-local emergency resources
I. Follow a protocol for establishing local resources and an emergency contact
J. Determine additional risk factors involved related to diverse populations when utilizing various emergency management systems
Learning Outcomes Conditions:
Complete self-paced certification in its entirety.
Pass all quizzes with an 80% or better score.
Education Hours:
You will receive a completion certificate with 9.0 CE for this course with NBCC ACEP No. 7167 when all learning outcome conditions have been met.
Approximate Learning Time: 9.0 hours