Now that we've discussed how to manage your telehealth program within the country. Let's explore what it means when we cross international waters. Some clients ask us how to manage their clients who move away. They seek to understand if counselling should continue. Our advice is simple.
Understand your own insurance.
In all honesty, when you review your policy, you are likely to find that your insurance won't cover you in with clients in the United States (Australian Policies). The reason (when we've asked insurance companies) is due to the amount of lawsuits against professionals in the US. This means, if your client is moving to the US, you are not legally covered to see them if something happens. "Well, my client is completely stable. The risk is low. So I'll continue to see them." "Under the National Law, all registered psychologists practising in Australia are required to have in place PII arrangements that comply with the PII standard during their period of registration." - www.psychologyboard.gov.au
It's our interpretation, that as a practicing psychologist, you need to have the coverage and therefore, not eligible to provide the service to your client in the States.
Safety Plan
It is wise to understand what resources are local to your client in case they should require local assistance. Linking with community supports as well as a local therapist may be a good idea to ensure that your client has the ability to have face to face assistance if they so require. Lucky for you if you don't need to use them, but better safe than sorry.
Consideration
If the client is to sue you for whatever reason, do you have it documented that the laws of your country govern the suit or their country? This is very important as if your qualifications aren't recognised in another country and the client sues using the laws of that country, you may also be guilty of using a protected title.
We are not 100% on all of the ins and outs of each country and their laws of practice; therefore, we suggest that you investigate all of the aspects as though you were to be registered in the country. Understand what may go wrong and have a contingency plan in place. As the old saying goes, better safe than sorry.
