2014 American Counseling Association Code of Ethics versus HIPAA: Technology in Counseling and Mental Health

The American Counseling Association (ACA) released its new technology-heavy Code of Ethics in March of 2014, adding a whole section entirely on the topics of distance counseling, electronic record keeping, and using digital and networked technology in general practice. In the process, the ACA has entered new territory in providing guidance on how their member clinicians are expected to work with digital technology. We expect that other professions will follow suit in their own ways over the next several years.

The various authors of the HIPAA and HITECH laws apparently had some different goals in mind when compared to the 2014 ACA Ethics Revision Task Force. In this program, we will explore what parts of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics’ approach to technology are new and may require new action on the part of counselors, what parts simply reaffirm existing standards, and how it all interacts with HIPAA and other regulatory rules and professional guidance on digital technology in American mental health.

We will also provide our guidance on how these changes affect the way we currently use digital technology here and now. We will cover applications of the new code to email, texting, online video (e.g. programs like Skype), keeping records electronically, Electronic Health Records, and more.

This program’s educational information is based on research into expert opinions on the HIPAA law, interviews with government officials, interviews with an ACA Ethics Revision Task Force member, and the professional experience and expertise of the presenters. Some of the interpretations presented are original work of the presenters and some are based on opinions and interpretations from other experts.

This web conference is intermediate instructional level and designed to help clinicians:

1. Describe how the philosophical approach of HIPAA’s Security Rule differs from and is similar to the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics’ Section H;
2. Create an Electronic Record-Keeping Disclosure statement that meets the ACA Code of Ethics’ requirements;
3. Maintain client autonomy around confidentiality and security of digital communications technology in ways that fit with the security requirements of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics;
4. Describe what the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics requires for counselors who engage in distance counseling services.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

"I think both Rob and Roy have excellent resources and scope of knowledge about security and privacy, so I was happy to see them present a workshop for GoodTherapy.org." - Kristen Martinez, MEd, EdS, LMHCA, NC

"Thank you for your willingness and passion to provide the information necessary for mental health therapist to stay up to date and navigate through today's challenges in the social media age. I am so not a technical person and often need professionals that are sensitive to the field and have a passion for what we do to assist in keeping things ethical and legal." - Julie Ingber, LMHC, NBCC

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. GoodTherapy.org solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium or Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no cost. Not yet a Premium or Pro Member? Mental health professionals can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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