Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 510 - RULES OF STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS
Chapter 510-5 - SUPPLEMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Rule 510-5-.07 - Representation of Services
Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 510-5-.07
Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) Possession of License. The psychologist must possess a current, valid, Georgia license to practice psychology.
(2) Practicing via Electronic Transmission. The provision of psychological services by electronic transmission (e.g. internet, telephone, computer.) must meet the same legal and ethical standards as psychological services provided in person. This rule applies to both psychologists who are licensed in Georgia and to other psychologists residing elsewhere who are providing psychological services to clients/patients in Georgia who must meet the requirements of section 510-9-.03. The Georgia Board will report out of state psychologists to their respective licensing boards for practicing psychology via these means in the state of Georgia without a Georgia license.
(3) Psychologists do not exploit recipients of services or payers with respect to fees.
(4) Telepsychology Practice.
(a)
Competence:
1. Psychologist assume responsibility to continually assess both their professional and technical competence when providing telepsychology services. Psychologists have read and are regulated by the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists rules for the practice of Telepsychology.
2. Psychologists are encouraged to examine the available evidence to determine whether specific telecommunication technologies are suitable for a client/patient, based on the current literature available, current outcomes research, best practice guidance, and client/patient preference.
(i) Psychologists understand the need to consider their client/patient's ability to engage in and fully understand the risks and benefits of the proposed intervention utilizing specific technologies.
(ii) Psychologists understand the manner in which cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and other individual characteristics (e.g. medical status, psychiatric stability, physical/cognitive disability, personal preferences) may impact effective use of telecommunication technologies in service delivery.
3. Psychologists identify and learn how to access relevant and appropriate emergency resources in the client/patients' local area such as emergency response contacts.
(b)
Standards of Care in Telepsychology Services:
1. Psychologists delivering telepsychology services apply the same ethical and professional standards of care and practice that are required when providing in -person psychological services.
2. Psychologists who are providing telepsychology services conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriateness of the telepsychology service to be provided for the client/patient which includes the examination of potential risks and benefits for the client/patients' particular needs, the multicultural and ethical issues that may arise, and a review of the most appropriate medium (e.g., video teleconference, text, e-mail).
3. Psychologist are aware of such other factors as geographic location, technological competence, diagnosis, use of substances, treatment history, and therapeutic needs relevant to appropriateness of telepsychology services.
4. Psychologists communicate any risks and benefits of the telepsychology services in relation to in-person services.
5. Psychologists assess carefully the remote environment in which services will be provided to determine what impact there might be on efficacy, privacy, or safety of the proposed intervention.
(c)
Informed Consent:
1. Psychologists make efforts to offer a clear description of those telepsychology services they provide and they seek to obtain and document informed consent.
2. Psychologists document written informed consent from their clients/patients that specifically addresses the unique concerns relevant to services.
3. Psychologists make an effort to use language that is understandable by their clients/patients and to be aware of cultural linguistic and other issues.
4. Psychologists discuss the billing documents with client/patients.
5. Psychologists include in the informed consent the manner in which telecommunication will be used and the boundaries they will establish, and the procedures for responding to electronic communications.
(d)
Confidentiality of Data and Information:
1. Psychologists protect and maintain the confidentiality of the data and information relating to their clients/patients and inform them of the potentially increased risks of loss of confidentiality inherent in the use of the telecommunication technologies.
2. Psychologists become knowledgeable about the potential risks to confidentiality before utilizing such technologies.
3. Psychologists understand and inform their clients /patients of the limits to confidentiality and the risks of possible access to or disclosure of confidential data and information.
4. Psychologists are cognizant of the ethical and practical implications of researching online personal information about their clients/patients.
5. Psychologists who use social networking sites for both personal and professional purposes educate themselves about the potential risks to privacy and confidentiality and to utilize available privacy settings to reduce these risks.
(e)
Security and Transmission of Data and Information:
1. Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that security measures are in place to protect data and information related to their clients/patients from unintended access or disclosure.
2. When keeping records of e-mail, online messaging, and other work using telecommunication technologies, psychologists are cognizant that preserving the actual communication may be preferable to summarization.
(f)
Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies:
1. Psychologists make reasonable efforts to dispose of data and information and the technologies used in a manner that facilitates protection from unauthorized access and accounts for safe and appropriate disposal.
(g)
Testing and Assessment:
1. Psychologists are knowledgeable about the unique impact of tests, their suitability for diverse populations, and the limitations on test administration and on test and other data interpretations when these psychological tests and other assessment procedures are conducted via telepsychology.
2. Psychologists strive to maintain the integrity of the application of the testing and assessment process and procedures when using telecommunication technologies.
3. When a psychological test or other assessment procedure is conducted via telepsychology, psychologists are encouraged to ensure that the integrity of the psychometric properties of the test or assessment procedure and the conditions of administration indicated in the test manual are preserved when adapted for use with such technologies.
4. Psychologists are cognizant of the specific issues that may arise with diverse populations when providing telepsychology and to make appropriate arrangements to address those concerns (e.g., language or cultural issues, cognitive, physical, or sensory skills or impairments, or age may impact assessment).
5. Psychologies use test norms derived from telecommunication technologies administration if such are available.
6. Psychologists recognize the potential limitations of all assessment processes conducted via telepsychology and to be ready to address the limitations and potential impact of those procedures.
O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19; 43-1-25; 43-39-5; 43-39-6, 43-39-13.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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