Providing proper security
- Research telehealth regulations
- Choose a HIPAA-compliant platform for virtual sessions
- Virtual platforms commonly used that are HIPAA compliant can be found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services page (Please note that these compliances have not been confirmed): https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
Steps to support privacy
- A new meeting link is sent out for each group every session
- Participants remain in a virtual waiting room until admitted by the host
- Private chats are turned off
- Patients cannot use their full name in the platform
- Group norms (link to group norms tool) relating to confidentiality are established
- Host provides individual reminders as needed
Learn more about videoconferencing group therapy.
January 2021