What Is Telehealth Informed Consent?
Telehealth informed consent is the discussion and documentation that helps a patient understand how remote care works, its benefits and limits, privacy considerations, and what to do if technology fails or an emergency occurs. Requirements vary by state, payer, service, and patient situation. Follow the current laws and professional standards that apply where the patient is located during the visit.
Help Therapy sends standard intake forms through SimplePractice for clients managed in that system. Review the completed forms before care and address questions with the patient. If you use a different workflow, confirm that the appropriate consent is obtained and documented under the rules that apply to your practice. Do not assume a verbal discussion alone satisfies every requirement.
For each telebehavioral health encounter, confirm the patient’s location and a reliable callback method, plan for disconnection, protect privacy, and maintain an emergency plan appropriate to the patient’s location. Explain who may be present and obtain consent for additional participants when required.
Current federal guidance: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides/telehealth-for-behavioral-health/preparing-patients-for-telebehavioral-health/informed-consent-for-telebehavioral-health
Questions about Help Therapy’s intake forms? Contact provider@helptherapy.com.