What should informed consent for telepractice explicitly cover?

• A. Consent is not required for telepractice.
• B. Consent should be obtained after the first session only.
• C. Consent should be informed, specific to telepractice, including risks, privacy, and emergency protocols.
• D. Consent is optional if privacy is assumed.

Answer: (C)

Informed consent for telepractice must be explicit and tailored to the telepractice setting, obtained before starting and revisited as needed. It should be informed and specific, outlining the technology used, the nature of telepractice services, potential risks to confidentiality and data security, and the limits of privacy in digital transmission. It should also lay out emergency protocols: how to handle crises or urgent situations when the clinician is not physically present, including who to contact and where to obtain in-person assistance if necessary, as well as procedures for technology failures (loss of connection, platform downtime) and backup plans. These elements ensure clients understand what telepractice entails and consent to the unique risks and procedures associated with it. Consent is an ongoing, informed process, not a one-time form.

Consent is not optional, should not be delayed until after the first session, and privacy should not be assumed.