Ethics and Risk Management in Telehealth
Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
3 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.
One ethical misstep in telehealth—however unintentional—can end a career, harm a client, or lead to devastating legal consequences. As telehealth reshapes behavioral healthcare, clinicians must navigate a minefield of confidentiality pitfalls, boundary risks, and shifting regulatory expectations.
This course offers you more than compliance—it delivers peace of mind by equipping you with the critical skills and protections you need to practice safely and ethically in a digital world.
Enroll in the 3 CE Online Self-Study for $60
Payment Options are listed at checkout
Dr Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, professor emeritus and national authority on social work ethics, and Robert P. Landau, J.D., a seasoned attorney who defends behavioral health professionals in malpractice cases, come together to deliver a high-impact training. Dr Reamer chaired the task forces that created and revised the NASW Code of Ethics, and Mr Landau has successfully defended healthcare professionals in some of the most complex litigation settings. Together, they bring unmatched insight into how ethical principles and legal standards converge in the realm of telehealth.
Their approach blends legal acumen with deep ethical analysis and real-world examples. This is not a dry policy review—it’s a compelling, scenario-driven training that helps clinicians recognize, reflect, and respond to high-risk situations with confidence and clarity.
Topics include the evolution of telehealth standards post-COVID, jurisdiction and licensure challenges, informed consent in virtual settings, HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 compliance, documentation do’s and don’ts, managing boundary crossings online, legal red flags in social media use, and how to respond to licensing board complaints or lawsuits. You’ll explore nuanced situations involving high-risk clients, interstate care, and the ethical complications of remote service delivery.
Instructor
Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, PhD,
Dr. Frederic G. Reamer is professor emeritus in the School of Social Work. His teaching and research focus on professional ethics, criminal justice, mental health, health care, and public policy. Dr Reamer received his PhD from the University of Chicago and has served as a social worker in correctional and mental health settings. He chaired the national task force that wrote the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Social Workers in 1996 and served on the code revision task force. Dr Reamer also chaired the national task force sponsored by NASW, the Association of Social Work Boards, Council on Social Work Education, and Clinical Social Work Association that developed standards governing social workers’ use of technology in professional practice.
Dr Reamer serves as associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Social Work and served as editor of the Journal of Social Work Education. He also served on the State of Rhode Island Parole Board for 24 years.
Read more about Dr Frederic Reamer here.
Instructor
Robert P. Landau, J.D.,
Robert P. Landau was selected for inclusion on the 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2012 Rhode Island Super Lawyers list. He is a seasoned litigator who focuses his practice on defending hospitals, physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, psychologists and other health care providers in malpractice lawsuits and disciplinary proceedings. He has successfully represented clients in the state and federal courts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Bob has had numerous jury trials with a significant number of defense verdicts. In addition to trying cases to juries, Bob handles any appellate issues that arise from his matters. He has appeared regularly before the Rhode Island Supreme Court and has a number of reported decisions. In those instances where a trial is not the best course of action, Bob has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution. His presentations to mediators and arbitrators help clients resolve cases on favorable terms.
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Robert P. Landau represents clients in healthcare law and general insurance defense, with extensive experience in commercial litigation.
Read more about Robert P. Landau here.
Key Takeaways:
- Master high-stakes ethical decisions: Learn to identify and navigate complex ethical dilemmas related to remote care, including boundary crossings and confidentiality breaches.
- Implement legally sound practices: Understand the standards of care and the legal implications of telehealth decisions that could lead to licensing complaints or lawsuits.
- Protect yourself and your clients: Apply actionable risk management strategies that prioritize client safety while guarding your license and professional reputation.
Why this course?
- Trusted experts: Learn from Dr. Reamer, who led the development of national ethics and technology standards, and Bob Landau, an accomplished trial lawyer with decades of healthcare defense experience.
- Designed for real-world practice: This course translates complex ethical and legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance you can implement immediately.
- Backed by a mission-driven leader: Telehealth Certification Institute is committed to helping clinicians deliver the highest quality care with confidence, clarity, and integrity.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe ethical challenges related to social workers' use of technology to serve clients remotely
- Explain prominent ethics and practice standards governing social workers' use of technology
- Describe federal and illustrative state laws that govern social workers' use of technology
- Discuss practical risk management strategies to protect clients and help prevent lawsuits and licensing board complaints
By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with more than knowledge—you’ll gain tools, language, and strategies that fortify your practice and elevate your professional judgment. We invite you to join us in raising the bar for ethical, effective telehealth care.
Add this course to your cart to begin learning instantly.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Instruction consists of 3 hours of video instruction and a post-test.
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Availability:
From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.
Who Should Attend:
This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.
Teaching Methods:
This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.
How to attend:
Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.
This program was recorded on February 5, 2021.
Testimonials
Iveyana Kiara Smith
Jessy Hainbach
Bryant Wilson
Ben Keyser
Mei Chan
Meghan Co, LCSW-C, LICSW