The Multiple Perspective Model©: An effective and easy-to-use method
Step #1 – Evaluate the problem from the five key perspectives
- Ethical issues – applicable code(s) of ethics
- Legal issues – federal laws, state laws & licensing rules
- Clinical-therapeutic issues
- Institutional policies
- Therapist’s variables & issues
- Foundational principles
- Standards
- Glossary or list of definitions
- Consult with colleagues who you know well
- Consult with professionals who can be fully objective
- Who, what, where & when
- Narrative descriptions
- A guide for how to make your decision
Key #1 – Technology must meet HIPAA requirements
- What HIPAA compliance means
- Business associates & BAAs
- When FERPA applies rather than HIPAA
- Authority limits of state licensing boards
- Therapy for a client/patient who is in another state
- When the provider is in a state other than the one in which she/he is licensed
- State-mandated training requirements
- Actual competence to practice
- Setting up a distance therapy-specific process
- Topics & issues to include in the process
- The purpose of policies
- Considerations for writing policies
- Clients’ health insurance policies
- Coverage for distance therapy
- Limitations of benefits
- Provider’s liability insurance: Possible limitations
Strategies & Methods for Avoiding Ethical and Legal Problems
- Secure Internet access
- Importance of business associate agreement (BAA)
- Telehealth laws app
- Certification in distance therapy
- Establish a separate informed consent process
- A communication and social media policy
- And lots more…





