MFT Law and Ethics - Week 10

Administrative Updates

• Grades are being reviewed and submitted by Friday.
• Reach out during office hours for any concerns.
• Look ahead in assignments across all courses to manage end-of-term workload.

Week 14 Assignment

• Conduct an interview with at least two MFT professionals.
  • Interview can include MFT supervisors, colleagues, or interns.
  • Focus on challenges in the profession, laws, and ethics.
  • Create a 15-20 minute recorded video presentation.
• Interviews can be via Zoom or phone.
• Start connecting with professionals for interviews.

Week 10 Topics

Learning Objectives

1. Explain HIPAA requirements on communication among MFT professionals.
2. Describe professional responsibilities in recordkeeping.
3. Discuss ethical issues with alternative service delivery methods.

Readings and Videos

• Textbooks
  • Chapters 5 & 6 in Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (specific sections).
  • Chapter 9 in Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs.
• Videos (4 total, one is 1.5 hours long).

Assignments

Case Study: SOAP Note

• Watch a YouTube video of a family therapy session.
• Write a 500-word SOAP note:
  • Subjective: Client's symptoms and history.
  • Objective: Client's appearance, behavior, and mood.
  • Assessment: Therapist's impressions and possible diagnoses.
  • Plan: Treatment recommendations.
• Discuss recordkeeping responsibilities.

Key Topics and Concepts

Recordkeeping

• Importance of accurate documentation and managed care regulations.
• Use of electronic health records (EHRs).
• Legal requirements for confidentiality and secure handling of records.

Online Counseling and Ethics

• Guidelines for telehealth services and technology use.
• Client consent for online services.
• HIPAA compliance for electronic communications.
• Advantages and challenges of online therapy.

Duty to Warn and Protect

• Evaluate client's potential to harm others.
• Review duty to warn/protect standards.

Technology and Telehealth

• Legal implications of practicing across state lines.
• California telehealth regulations.
• Example of telehealth consent notes.

SOAP Notes Guidance

• S: Symptoms and client reports.
• O: Objective observations.
• A: Clinical assessment.
• P: Treatment plan.

Additional Resources

• Simplepractice.com for SOAP note examples and guidelines.

Future Preparation

• Start preparing for week 14 assignments.
• PowerPoint slides and study materials for the final exam will be provided soon.