Telehealth Options
Telemedicine/Telehealth is the provision of mental health services by mental health professionals at a distant site to a recipient at an originating site through the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and provide healthcare services remotely, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and education.
Core Assurances
Our commitment to providing secure and accessible telehealth services.
Privacy and Security
SCAMHC will implement appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy and security of Recipient information transmitted during telehealth encounters, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. Transmissions must utilize an acceptable method of encryption adequate to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the transmission information.
Technical Requirements
Services must be administered via an interactive audio or audio and video telecommunications system which permits two-way communication between the distant site provider and the site where the recipient is located. The telecommunication technology and equipment used are sufficient to allow the healthcare provider to appropriately evaluate, diagnose, and/or treat the recipient.
Eligibility
Telehealth services may be offered to Recipients who are eligible for services at SCAMHC and for whom telehealth is clinically appropriate and feasible.
Our Telehealth
Providers
Staff who may provide telemedicine/telehealth services include a wide variety of dedicated clinical professionals.
Approved Staff
The following staff are approved to provide telehealth services:
- Physicians
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs)
- Physician Assistants
- Rehabilitative Option Providers
- Psychologists
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Associate Licensed Counselors
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Associates
- Licensed Master Social Workers
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers
- Children's Rehabilitation Service
- Pharmacists/Pharmacies
- Targeted Case Management
Policies & Procedures
Emergency Situations
In the event of an emergency during a telehealth session, providers are required to immediately assess the severity of the situation using established clinical guidelines.
Emergency Protocols
Immediate Actions
- During a crisis session, the clinician should document the patient's current location and a reliable way to contact them.
- Coordination with local emergency services will be initiated if appropriate.
- All actions, assessments, and communications must be thoroughly documented in the EHR.
- Recipients must be provided with clear instructions on how to access emergency services in their area.