Article archive / April 1, 2013
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 8. Source pages: 15.
After a detailed discussion regarding a variety of situations a psychologist might encounter in delivering a service via telepsychology, Chair Dr. Lee Matthews concluded that the board would look into updating the current Opinion Number 13 regarding electronic communications, known as telepsychology or telepractice. This discussion occurred at the recent planning meeting of the board.
“If we can get the Opinion to a place where it reflects what we want it to,” he said, “ that will give us further information, so that down the road we can deal with the rules and regulations. Opinions are there to help.”
Matthews came to this after a lengthy discussion from both board members and attendees regarding a number of complex situations regarding telepsychology were described, which did not easily fit into a simple directive.
Those discussing the issue presented situations where a Louisiana licensed psychology would be required to counsel a patient by phone who resided in another state, such as individuals who had recently moved from the state, or students who were temporarily living away, or if a client who typically travels into Louisiana for treatment requires a telephone conference on a emergency basis.
Dr. Joe Comaty, who authored the 2012 telepsychology opinion, reminded the group that it was issued as a generic opinion “… to make psychologists aware.”
Discussion about general applied psychology services led to Dr. Janet Matthews suggesting that the opinion should include the term ‘health service.” This could exempt those who practice general applied psychology, such as Industrial-Organizational or research psychologists, and others who do not practice healthcare.
The discussion of how to define who is a resident, where services actually happen––at the provider’s location or the client’s location––which state board is responsible for what, and what does “domicile” mean, plus other conundrums, led the board decide to look at making simple changes in the opinion that can help as a general guide only.
Dr. Darlene Nemeth, the Louisiana Psychological Association delegate to the American Psychological Association, provided handouts to the group of the “Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology.” This is a draft document that is being worked on at the national level, Nemeth said.
Dr. Joe Comaty, who previously served on the state psychology board and who is currently on a list awaiting the Governor’s choice of appointment to the board, speaks at the recent Long-Range Planning meeting of the psychology board. Dr. Darlyne Nemeth looks on.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.