Telehealth Corner

CAMFT’s articles, sample practice forms, and other resources are not intended to serve as legal advice and are offered for educational purposes only. The articles, forms, and other resources should not be used as a substitute for independent legal advice and are not intended to address every situation that could potentially arise. Please be aware that laws, regulations, and technical standards change over time. As a result, it is important to verify and update any reference or information that is provided in CAMFT’s articles, sample practice forms, and other resources.

Telehealth Defined

In California, “telehealth” is defined as a method to deliver health care services using information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and care management while the patient and provider are at two different sites. The two most common modes of telehealth for psychotherapy are via 1) live videoconferencing, and 2) telephone.

In 2016, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) promulgated regulations for the Standard of Practice for Telehealth for LMFTs. Review the regulations here.

The BBS is currently developing Guidelines for Telehealth Best Practices. CAMFT will keep members apprised of any updates.

CAMFT Articles on Telehealth and Related Issues

• Regulatory and Legal Considerations for Telehealth 

• Checklist for Telehealth 

• Telehealth, HIPAA, and Compliant Telehealth Platforms 

• Are You a Covered Entity 

• Updates and Resources for Providers Navigating Managed Care in California 

• New Platforms, Same Laws  

• VoIP and HIPAA  Applicability, Compliance, and Best Practices 

Reimbursement of Telehealth by Insurance Plans

• Reimbursement of Telehealth by Insurance Plans

CAMFT Code of Ethics & Telehealth

Section 6 of the CAMFT Code of Ethics pertaining to Telehealth

Applicable Laws (Quick Links)

• California Telehealth Statute (Business & Professions Code §2290.5)
• California BBS Regulations on the Standards of Practice for Telehealth
• California Requirement of Telehealth Training for BBS Applicants/Licensees (Business & Professions Code §4980.395)

CAMFT On-Demand Workshops

• Key Legal and Ethical Issues in Telehealth (3 hrs) 

• A New Year with Our New Normal: Telehealth in the Age of COVID-19 (1 hr) 

• Telehealth Legal and Ethical Aspects (3 hrs) 

• Telehealth, Emailing, and Texting: Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations (6 hrs) 

Additional FAQs

• Commonly Asked Questions for Telehealth

Other Helpful Links

• MFT State Licensing Board Contact Information 
• BBS FAQs on Telehealth  
• OCR Guidance on Educating Patients about Privacy and Security Risks to Protected Health Information when Using Remote Communication Technologies for Telehealth 
• OCR Guidance on Telehealth Privacy and Security Tips for Patients