There is a nationwide increase in therapy via electronic means (or telehealth), but this has also resulted in confusion among practitioners and consumers. In California, telehealth can be provided by valid license holders such as marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, educational psychologists and clinical counselors. However, specific guidelines about jurisdiction, particularly from the Department of Consumer Affairs and Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), are still unclear.
The BBS is currently proposing the following amendments to improve and clarify telehealth practices:
These proposed amendments will cost BBS an additional $30,720 annually, but will have no impact on the amount of federal funding to the state and will have little impact on California businesses. Practitioners electing to provide telehealth services will be impacted by the costs of their chosen communication medium.
With globalization and technological advancements, practitioners will be challenged with unforeseen circumstances and situations when providing services to consumers. New mediums will no doubt surface in the market, requiring continuous evaluation of current practice standards and regulations. These evaluations will be strengthened by practice and evidence-based standards.
The BBS will take comments and suggestions regarding these proposed amendments until August 24, 2015. Contact Rosanne Helms at 1625 N. Market Blvd, Suite S-200, Sacramento, California 95834 or by phone at (916) 574-7897; fax (916) 574-8626; or email at rossanne.helms@dca.ca.gov.
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