Are Your Policies (And/Or Your Supervisees’ Policies)Clear Enough?

This workshop considers the ethical implications of the presence or absence of clear policies about fees, billing, availability, absences, emergencies, confidentiality, disclosure, boundaries, etc. (1) How clear should they be? (2) How should they be described to clients? (3) How well are they understood by others that you work with who implement them in your setting, including clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as by those you train, mentor, or supervise? 

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION:  The Ethical Importance of Establishing Clear Policies in Clinical Settings 

I. Ethical Standards & Professional Recommendations

II. Legal Requirements About Policies 

A. Virginia Laws & Regulations

B. Federal Laws & Regulations (including HIPAA)

III. Informing Clients About Policies

A. What Will You Say? 

1. Fees & Billing Arrangements  

2. Availability & Absences  

3. Emergencies 

4. Confidentiality & Disclosure 

5. Contacts, Modes of Communication, Boundaries, etc.

B. When Will You Say It? 

1. Informed Consent Conversations w/ Prospective Clients

2. Re-Opening the Conversation

IV. Other Important Conversations About Policies

A. Discussions With Supervisees & Students

B. Clarification With Colleagues

C. Training for Staff, Employees, & Business Associates

Educational Goals:
(a) List the practice areas in which you need to have specific policies tht protect clients’ rights.
(b) What should you say to prospective clients and current clients about these policies?
(c) Describe how you train others about the ethical implications of such policies.