Update on CareDash and BetterHelp Concerns
We previously informed you of our concerns about the posting of psychotherapists’ profiles, without their knowledge or consent, in soliciting business for online psychotherapy platforms.
As a result of our actions and your response, NASW is currently engaged in productive discussion with BetterHelp regarding this practice.
Thanks to all of you for your attention to this issue. We will provide you with an update on this matter next week.
The smarter way to stay on top of the social work industry.
In 2015, NASW partnered with SmartBrief to launch Social Work SmartBrief, a daily e-mail newsletter specifically designed to provide professional social workers with the day’s top stories from the field, career insights, as well as opportunities for professional development.
A quick, two-minute read, Social Work SmartBrief is a one-stop shop for the news you need to save time and stay informed. You may subscribe for free to this valuable service.
NASW News: NASW News is the flagship publication of the National Association of Social Workers, the largest association of professional social workers in the United States.
NASW-FL Electronic Newsletter
NASW-FL has a monthly electronic newsletter sent to all current FL Chapter members..
The electronic newsletter keeps you informed of current events and issues, upcoming local Unit and continuing education events, along with ways to become more involved. We hope you enjoy receiving these monthly updates directly to your e-mail inbox,
To view recent e-newsletter, please click on the link.
If you have something to share, please send the information to Christine Call at ccall.naswfl@socialworkers.org .
2021 Social Work Month
Social Workers Are Essential
Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.
The theme for Social Work Month 2021 is Social Workers Are Essential.
Social workers are essential to community well-being.
As practitioners, social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living. They are employed to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities.
During Social Work Month take time to learn more about the many positive contributions of the profession, and use the items in our toolkit to celebrate Social Work Month 2021!
Click here to download 100 Essential Social Workers in the United States poster
Racism and Injustice
NASW-FL Board of Directors Statement on Racism and Injustice
NASW Ethical Principles as Guidelines for Activism and Advocacy for Anti-racism and Social Justice
NASW is committed to ending racism through public education, social justice advocacy and professional training.
Our members understand cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may include direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, research and evaluation. The following resources can assist all social workers in their anti-racist efforts.
https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Ethnicity-Race/Racial-Justice
ASWB Testing during coronovirus letter
Florida Telehealth
In 2019, Florida passed the Telehealth Bill which establishes standards of practice for telehealth services, including patient evaluations, record-keeping, and controlled substances prescribing. The bill also authorizes out-of-state health care practitioners to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida upon meeting certain eligibility requirements and registering with the department.
The Florida Department of Health has created a website that allows interested parties to sign up for updates and register to become an out-of-state telehealth provider. More information, please visit: flhealthsource.gov/telehealth
Standards of Practice
Telehealth providers must practice in a manner consistent with his or her scope of practice and the prevailing professional standard of practice for a health care professional who provides in-person health care services to patients in Florida. The applicable board, or department if there is no board, may adopt rules related to telehealth that further clarify practice standards.
Patient Evaluations
If a telehealth provider conducts a patient evaluation sufficient to diagnose and treat the patient, the telehealth provider is not required to research a patient’s medical history or conduct a physical examination before using telehealth to provide health care services.
Patient Medical Records
Telehealth providers must use the same standard of maintaining patient medical records as used for in-person services. They must also keep medical records confidential, as required in ss. 395.3025(4), F.S.
Controlled Substances Prescribing
A telehealth provider may only use telehealth to prescribe a controlled substance for the following:
- the treatment of a psychiatric disorder;
- inpatient treatment at a hospital licensed under Ch. 395, F.S.;
- the treatment of a patient receiving hospice services as defined in s. 400.601, F.S.; or
- the treatment of a nursing home resident as defined in s. 400.021, F.S.
Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration Requirements
Health care practitioners with an out-of-state license or certification that falls under section 456.47(1)(b), F.S, qualify for an out-of-state telehealth provider registration number when they meet the following requirements:
- Submit the completed Application for Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration http://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/ and click on Forms);
- Maintain an active, unencumbered license from another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States;
- Not have a pending investigation, discipline, or revocation on your license within the last five years;
- Designate a duly appointed registered agent for service of process in Florida;
- Maintain liability coverage or financial responsibility for telehealth services provided to patients in Florida in an amount equal to or greater than Florida health care practitioner requirements;
- Not open a Florida office or provide in-person health care services to Florida patients;
- Only use a Florida-licensed pharmacy, registered nonresident pharmacy, or outsourcing facility to dispense medicinal drugs to patients in Florida (pharmacists only)
FAQs
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications technology by a telehealth provider to provide health care services, including, but not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and monitoring of a patient; transfer of medical data; patient and professional health-related education; public health services; and health administration. Telehealth does not include audio-only telephone calls, e-mail messages, or fax transmissions.
What is a telehealth provider?
Telehealth provider is defined as an individual who provides a health care service using telehealth and who is licensed under s. 393.17; part III of chapter 401; chapter 457; chapter 458; chapter 459; chapter 460; chapter 461; chapter 463; chapter 464; chapter 465; chapter 466; chapter 467; part I, part III, part IV, part V, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468; chapter 478; chapter 480; part II or part III of chapter 483; chapter 484; chapter 486; chapter 490; or chapter 491; who is licensed under a multi-state health care licensure compact of which Florida is a member state; or who is registered under and complies with s. 456.47(4), Florida Statutes.
What information about out-of-state telehealth providers is published by the Florida Department of Health?
The Florida Department of Health is required to maintain a public list of all registered out-of-state telehealth providers, which includes the following information:
- Name
- Health care occupation
- Completed health care training and education, including completion dates and any certificates or degrees obtained
- Out-of-state health care license, including license number
- Florida telehealth provider registration number
- Specialty
- Board certification
- Five-year disciplinary history, including sanctions and board actions
- Medical malpractice insurance provider and policy limits
- Name and address of the registered agent designated for service of process in this state
Are there any exemptions from registering as an out-of-state telehealth provider?
There are two exemptions that allow an out-of-state licensee to perform telehealth for Florida patients without registering:
- In response to an emergency medical condition, which is defined in s. 395.002, F.S.
- In consultation with a health care professional licensed in this state who has ultimate authority over the diagnosis and care of the patient
Can Florida health care practitioners register as an out-of-state telehealth provider?
Telehealth provider registration only applies to health care practitioners who are licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States. Florida licensees can already provide telehealth services to patients in Florida that they can treat in person. If a Florida licensee would like to provide telehealth services to a patient outside of Florida, they must review the laws and rules in the location of the patient.