Recent Announcements
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The National 988 Suicide Lifeline Has Launched - Here’s How It Works
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide! If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 9-8-8 to get assistance and support from trained counselors or help with finding local resources. -
Telemynd Achieves HITRUST CSF® Certification to Manage Risk, Improve Security Posture, and Meet Compliance Requirements
HITRUST CSF Certification validates Telemynd is committed to meeting key regulations and protecting sensitive information.
Maynard, Massachusetts, December 6, 2021 – Telemynd, a leading provider of behavioral health solutions, today announced the MyCare telebehavioral health solution has earned Certified status for information security by HITRUST.
HITRUST CSF Certified status demonstrates that the organization’s MyCare telebehavioral health solution has met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and is appropriately managing risk. This achievement places Telemynd in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. By including federal and state regulations, standards, and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST CSF helps organizations address these challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls.
“Organizations, like ours, are under more pressure than ever to meet complex compliance and privacy requirements that include technical and process elements such as NIST, ISO, and COBIT,” said Patrick Herguth, Chief Executive Office at Telemynd. “We are pleased to demonstrate to our customers the highest standards for protecting sensitive data and information by achieving HITRUST CSF Certification.”
“The HITRUST CSF Assurance Program is the most rigorous available, consisting of a multitude of quality assurance checks, both automated and manual,” said Bimal Sheth, Vice President of Assurance Services, HITRUST. “The fact that Telemynd has achieved HITRUST CSF Certification attests to the high quality of their information risk management and compliance program.”
About Telemynd
141 Parker Street, Suite 306
Maynard, MA 01754
(866)991-2103
Telemynd Media Contact
Roger Murray
Marketing Director
rmurray@telemynd.com
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Choosing Between A Prescriber Or Therapist?
Both therapists and prescribers work with you to help improve your mental health, but they offer vastly different services. If you’ve decided it’s time to see a provider but you’re not sure what kind of support you need, read this guide to find out which could be the best fit for you.
Therapist or Prescriber — Which Is Right For Me?
Recent Blog Entries
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HIPAA in the Digital Age: How Telemynd Makes Virtual Care Private and Secure
As telehealth continues to revolutionize the way we deliver behavioral health care, it is essential to navigate the maze of HIPAA compliance. With Telemynd by your side, you can do it all while having a little fun! Let’s dive into some interesting facts about HIPAA compliance in the world of telehealth.
1. HIPAA Stands for More Than You Think
Did you know HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act? While it may sound like a mouthful, this law is all about protecting client privacy and ensuring their health information stays safe. So, next time you hear “HIPAA,” think of it as the superhero of client confidentiality!
2. Telemynd is HIPAA-Compliant
Surprise! Not every video conferencing tool is HIPAA-compliant, but Telemynd’s Zoom conferencing meets all HIPAA requirements. You can confidently conduct therapy sessions knowing that our platform meets all the necessary standards for protecting client information.
3. Informed Consent is a Must
Did you know you need to get your clients’ agreement before going virtual? Clients are required to sign both a Consent for Treatment and a Consent for Treatment via Telehealth prior to the start of their initial session. Informed consent is not just a formality—it is a vital part of the telehealth treatment process, especially in behavioral health. Informed consent means that clients are fully aware of and agree to the conditions of their treatment. Think of it as a virtual handshake!
Why is Informed Consent Important?
Informed consent ensures that clients understand what to expect during their telehealth sessions and what to expect from their provider. It empowers them by providing information about their treatment options, the risks and benefits of telehealth, and how their data will be used and protected. This transparency helps build trust between you and your clients, making them feel more comfortable and engaged in their care.
Informed Consent for Adults vs. Minor Children
When it comes to informed consent, there are important distinctions between adults and minor children. For adults, informed consent involves a direct agreement after providing all necessary information. Most adults have the legal authority to make decisions about their healthcare, so they must fully understand the process to provide valid consent. For minor children, or adults with certain guardianships, informed consent typically requires a parent or guardian to give consent on behalf of the child, although the child should be involved as appropriate based on age and maturity level. Some states allow minors to consent to certain mental health treatments without parental approval. It is important providers are aware of the age of consent laws in the states in which they practice.
4. Identity Verification is Key
Imagine this: You are working with a client, and halfway through, you realize it is not actually them! That can cause significant problems. That is why it is essential to verify a client’s identity during the telehealth session. This is accomplished by confirming the client’s name and date of birth.
5. Data Breaches are No Laughing Matter
Did you know that in the event of a data breach, HIPAA requires you to notify affected clients AND the Department of Health and Human Services? It is like having to call your boss after missing an important deadline—no one looks forward to it, but transparency is key to maintaining trust. Telemynd provides tools and guidance to help you manage this process efficiently. Any concern about the misuse or accidental disclosure of client information should be reported to Telemynd’s privacy officer at compliance@telemynd.com.
6. Your Clients Have Rights
Clients are not just passive participants; they have rights! Under HIPAA, clients and/or their guardians can request a copy of their health record, including any encounter notes from your telehealth visits. Clients are also allowed to request amendments to their record if they disagree with any portion of their record. It is like giving them the keys to their own health kingdom.
7. State Laws Can Be Even Trickier
Hold onto your hats! While HIPAA is the federal standard, state laws can be even more strict when it comes to telehealth compliance, especially in behavioral health. While Telemynd stays abreast of important regulatory updates, it is important you also stay current on the individual state laws where you practice. If you are ever in doubt, Telemynd is here to help you navigate the twists and turns of state requirements.
Wrap-Up
So, there you have it—some fun facts about HIPAA compliance in telehealth! Remember, while compliance can be a serious matter, it does not have to be all doom and gloom. With a little knowledge and a sprinkle of fun, you can navigate the telehealth landscape with confidence!
For additional information please see https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html
Do you have any HIPAA questions? You are always welcome to email us at compliance@telemynd.com
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Mindfulness at Work: Managing Stress and Boosting Well-Being
Work can be a significant source of stress, with pressures like deadlines, overflowing inboxes, and constant multitasking. Incorporating mindfulness into your workday can help protect mental health, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Common methods include meditation, breathwork, mindful walking, body scanning, and yoga. Practicing mindfulness regularly can calm the mind and improve focus and resilience.
Benefits of Workplace Mindfulness
Mindfulness at work has been shown to:
Improve stress management Enhance focus and creativity Increase emotional intelligence and team bonding Support decision-making and productivity Reduce burnout and promote job satisfaction Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness at Work
Start and End Mindfully
Use your commute to center yourself. Instead of worrying about the day ahead or reliving past tasks, try focusing on your breathing or listening to calming music.
Schedule with Intention
Organize your day with breaks in mind. Aim for a rhythm of focused work followed by short breaks, like 52 minutes of work and a 17-minute break. Short breaks refresh your mind and keep productivity high.
Practice Breathwork
When stress arises, try a simple breathing exercise: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Repeat this a few times to help ground yourself.
Avoid Multitasking
Tackle one task at a time to stay focused and reduce stress. Set clear priorities for the day to keep your mind on the present task.
Express Gratitude
Taking a moment to appreciate the positives can shift your mindset. Keep a gratitude journal, or mentally list a few things you’re thankful for when stress creeps in.
Mindful Eating
Step away from your desk for lunch, and use this time to recharge. Enjoy your food slowly to nourish your body and mind.
Body Scan
Occasionally check in with your body. Notice if you're clenching your jaw, tensing your shoulders, or feeling tightness. Body scanning can help release tension and increase awareness.
Set Boundaries
Limit distractions by checking emails at set times rather than constantly. This helps maintain focus and reduces overwhelm.
Actively Listen
Engage fully when interacting with colleagues. Actively listening can improve communication, relationships, and overall job satisfaction.
Enhance Your Self-Care with Telemynd
Mindfulness can make a big difference in managing work-related stress. For additional support, Telemynd offers virtual mental health services to help you maintain balance. Contact Telemynd today to connect with a specialist and strengthen your journey to wellness, call 866-991-2103 or visit www.telemynd.com to get started.
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Ensuring Quality Care in Behavioral Health Services
We are excited to introduce a new risk and compliance-focused series designed to enhance your understanding of key regulations and practices within behavioral health services. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and guidance to ensure providers have a strong foundation in compliance and quality care.
At Telemynd, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional behavioral health services. Behind the scenes, our Clinical Risk and Compliance Department upholds the high standards that our clients deserve. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to state and federal regulations, as well as payor standards, are essential in fostering a supportive and professional environment for our clients and providers.
What Is Compliance in Behavioral Health?
Compliance in the behavioral health sector encompasses the policies, procedures, and regulations that govern our practices. This includes ensuring confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, fraud waste and abuse prevention, ethical practices and quality treatment for clients. Our Compliance Department partners with the Clinical Department and our Operations and Billing Teams to work diligently to ensure that our practices align with these standards, enabling us to maintain the highest level of care and trust. Additionally, our team is available to assist our providers with compliance questions and/or risk consultations.
Meet our Team
The Compliance Department is led by Karen Dexter, Sr. Director of Clinical Risk & Compliance. Karen is an Independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker and attorney licensed in Massachusetts. Karen is also a military spouse. Karen has been with Telemynd since 2021. The focus of both Karen’s clinical and legal career has been serving children and families, whether through direct care, policy development, advocacy or education.
Andrew “Drew” Pontbriand, Compliance Specialist, joined the team in 2022. Prior to Telemynd, Drew worked in various compliance related project leader roles, as well as serving as a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Liaison.
Carrie Perez, Clinical Risk & Compliance Coordinator, recently joined the team after starting with Telemynd as a Clinical Operations Supervisor in 2023. Carrie is a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the social work field since 2006, during which time she also served as an active duty officer in the Air Force.
What to Expect
In this series, we will share insights into our compliance initiatives, updates on relevant regulations, and tips on how we can all contribute to a culture of compliance within our organization. We’ll also highlight success stories and best practices that illustrate our commitment to behavioral health and ethical care. We invite you to join us on this journey – together, we can ensure that our practices not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and feel free to engage with us—your feedback is invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our services.
Thank you for being a part of the Telemynd community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and in creating a positive workplace for our provider network.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics in our compliance series, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at compliance@telemynd.com.