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Legally Speaking: Professional Liability Insurance for Psychologists, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers and Therapists

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Those supervised by the Board of Psychology and the Board of Clinical Social Work, including Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are responsible for one of the most important component of patient care: mental health.

Professional Liability Insurance.

Insuring the mental health of a patient does not come without inerrant risks. For this reason, every mental health professional should carry professional liability insurance that includes professional license defense coverage (sometimes called disciplinary defense, license defense, administrative hearing coverage or broad coverage). This type of insurance coverage is included in most professional liability policies. However, if it is not, it can often be added as a rider to the insurance policy for an additional charge. Mental health professionals should be sure that coverage for professional license defense is at least $25,000 and a $50,000 increase is recommended.

“Broad form coverage” should also be requested and obtained that includes coverage of legal fees for defense of all administrative or governmental proceedings, including Medicare audits, Medicaid audits, EEOC complaints, and other types of governmental actions that could be initiated.

Though mental health may not seem like a high-risk field, if dissatisfied, patients can file complaints that can lead to serious consequences. These complaints can be initiated against a mental health professional based solely on anonymous calls to the Department of Health Hotline, newspaper reports, prior arrest reports, disgruntled patients, disgruntled insurance companies, competitors, or other sources. Once an investigation is initiated, psychologists, therapists, counselors and other mental health professionals should obtain legal representation immediately to ensure that each action on the part of the psychologist or other mental health professional will result in a more favorable outcome.

Retain a Board Certified Health Lawyer.

A board certified health lawyer experienced in representing mental health professionals will be the most qualified to handle a DOH case. A mental health professional may never face a DOH investigation or Board of Psychology or Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling administrative hearing, but it is important that every psychologist and counselor has knowledge of current legislation impacting the psychology field. The Florida Statutes have recently been updated to prohibit anyone from using the title of “social worker” unless certain requirements are met.

Additionally, there have been changes made to guidelines for treatment programs for impaired professional and psychologist reporting requirements.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marital and Family Therapists.

We have had mental health professionals who became victims of completely unreasonable demands from their clients/patients (house sitting, pet sitting, etc.), stalking by their clients/patients, identity theft and computer hacking by their clients/patients. Don’t become a victim yourself.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist and advise you in dealing with difficult clients/patients. We can stop stalking, cyber-stalking and harassment. We can respond to client/patient letters. We can defend you if a client/patient files a complaint against you.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawfirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone; (407) 331-6620.

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“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999. Copyright © 2018 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Massachusetts Insurance Company Sued in Mental Health Discrimination Suit

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On July 20, 2018, a Massachusetts federal judge allowed a woman to move forward with a proposed class action against Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company (Harvard Pilgrim). The woman is claiming that Harvard Pilgrim, which covers medical expenses at nursing homes, must also cover mental health care at her son’s behavior-correcting summer camp.

Mental Health Parity Act.

U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper denied a motion to dismiss from the insurer, saying that the plaintiff adequately equated the two types of health settings in a lawsuit. In the suit, the insurer is accused of violating the Mental Health Parity Act when it denied coverage for behavioral services at wilderness programs. Its blanket exclusion for services rendered at wilderness treatment programs is a separate treatment limitation applicable only to mental health benefits and thus violative of the Parity Act.

The statute generally requires insurers to cover mental health treatments on the same terms that they cover medical and surgical care. As a result of this violation, the plaintiff was forced to pay more than $16,000 out of pocket for her teenage son, the lawsuit alleges.
Click here to view the complaint in full.

The Defendant’s Arguments.

In response, Harvard Pilgrim argued that it excludes wilderness-like medical benefits such as diabetes camps, so excluding wilderness mental health care is not differential. In addition, in court documents it insisted that the correct comparison was whether both types of treatment, physical and cognitive, would be excluded if offered through a wilderness program.

Despite the arguments, Judge Casper stated that the First Circuit has held that a plan administrator, in terminating or denying benefits, may not rely on a theory for its termination or denial that it did not communicate to the insured prior to litigation. To read Judge Casper’s order in full, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marital and Family Therapists.

We have had mental health professionals who became victims of completely unreasonable demands from their clients/patients (house sitting, pet sitting, etc.), stalking by their clients/patients, identity theft and computer hacking by their clients/patients. Don’t become a victim yourself.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist and advise you in dealing with difficult clients/patients. We can stop stalking, cyber-stalking and harassment. We can respond to client/patient letters. We can defend you if a client/patient files a complaint against you.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Wille, Jacklyn. “Harvard Pilgrim Sued Over Wilderness Therapy Coverage.” Bloomberg Law. (July 24, 2018). Web.

Noon, Alison. “Harvard Pilgrim Must Face Mental Health Discrimination Suit.” Law360. (July 24, 2018). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawfirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone; (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Mental Health Counselor Law, Occupational Therapist representation, mental health representation, mental health counselor attorney, mental health attorney, Mental Health Counselor representation, legal counsel for mental health professionals, mental health defense lawyer, representation for mental health professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Florida mental health professional representation, Florida mental health professional attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999. Copyright © 2018 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:23-04:00July 25, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: Florida mental health professional attorney, Florida mental health professional representation, legal counsel for mental health professionals, mental health attorney, mental health counselor attorney, Mental Health Counselor Law, Mental Health Counselor representation, mental health defense lawyer, mental health representation, Occupational Therapist representation, representation for mental health professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews|2 Comments

Gunman Accused of Killing Two at Titusville Hospital Was Waiting For Mental Health Evaluation

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The gunman accused of shooting and killing two women at a Titusville hospital on July 17, 2016, was awaiting a court-ordered mental evaluation, according to authorities. The gunman, David Owens, had a long history of mental health problems and it is believed that he sought help over eight times. That exam was still pending when he shot and killed two people at Parrish Medical Center.

Long-Term Care for Mentally Ill.

The gunman’s mother told authorities that she had been trying to get her mentally ill son long-term care for years. She claimed he talked of killing and that she felt her life, and those of others, was in danger, and begged he be sent to a mental hospital.

Reviews of State Laws.

Former chief judge and current WFTV legal analyst Belvin Perry believes there needs to be a comprehensive review of state law. “If the laws are not there, then no judge can say, ‘Let’s force him to take his meds,’” said Perry. He also said people need avenues of help much sooner than a court-mandated examination. He cited lack of funding for mental health and said, “We really need to evaluate the laws to make sure we protect the patients’ rights, get them help and protect society.”

To read more on mental health care, click here to read one of my prior blogs.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marital and Family Therapists.

We have had mental health professionals who became victims of completely unreasonable demands from their clients/patients (house sitting, pet sitting, etc.), stalking by their clients/patients, identity theft and computer hacking by their clients/patients. Don’t become a victim yourself.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist and advise you in dealing with difficult clients/patients. We can stop stalking, cyber-stalking and harassment. We can respond to client/patient letters. We can defend you if a client/patient files a complaint against you.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Source:

“Gunman accused of killing 2 at Titusville hospital was waiting for mental health evaluation.” WFTV. (July 18, 2016). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawfirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone; (407) 331-6620.
KeyWords: Mental Health Counselor Law, Occupational Therapist, Resident and doctor-patient relationship, mental health attorney, Mental Health Counselor, legal counsel for mental health professionals, long term care for mentally ill, court appointment mental evaluations, mental health defense lawyer, representation for mental health professionals, The Health Law Firm

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999. Copyright © 2016 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:51-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: legal counsel for mental health professionals, long term, mental health attorney, mental health counselor, Mental Health Counselor Law, Occupational Therapist, Resident and doctor-patient relationship|Comments Off

Mental Health Professionals Need to Know How To Handle Difficult Patients – Part 1

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and other psychotherapists, because of the nature of their professions, will often encounter difficult, abusive, or obsessive clients/patients. It comes with the territory. The clients or patients to whom they are expected to provide treatment and therapy to, often suffer from mental disorders, personality disorders, or illnesses.

Although it is traditional for many mental health professionals to refer to “clients” instead of “patients,” we will use the term “client/patient” in this blog.

First, Protect Your Own Privacy.

You should safeguard your own privacy and the security of your office, staff and family.

Obtain a telephone number and line dedicated exclusively for your office or practice. Do not give out your cell phone number or your home telephone number. Make sure your office staff, receptionist and colleagues know not to ever give out your cell phone number. Make sure that your own cell phone number is masked or blocked for those times when you may use it to call clients/patients.

Do not allow your home address to be published whenever possible. You can request that telephone carriers and directories not list your home address. Check Internet and online directories to make sure your home address is not available online. List only your office address or a post office box on your official Department of Health Licensure forms. Under no circumstances give out or allow your home address to be give to clients/patients.

Your Professional Time Is Valuable: Require Clients/Patients To Pay For It.

You are a professional. You are supposed to be paid for your time.

Yet, over and over again, I consult with therapists who have only seen a client/patient for a few paid sessions, but are spending countless additional hours talking to the client/patient on the telephone, responding to client/patient e-mails and text messages, or attending to problem situations caused by the client/patient.

I recommend that at the very first encounter with the client/patient, you explain to the client/patient that you expect to be paid for your time. Explain that insurance carriers and other third party payers do not pay for the time you may spend:

1. Talking to the client/patient or the client’s/patient’s family or other
professionals on the telephone;

2. Responding to client/patient e-mails, letters or text messages;

3. Completing forms for the client/patient, including insurance forms, disability
applications, request for information, etc.; or

4. Time you expend on other tasks the client/patient requests, such as court
appearances, meetings with others, or any acts the client/patient asks you to
perform to assist them.

Make sure that the client/patient understands that he or she will have to pay for these separately out of his or her own pockets. Have the client/patient sign an acknowledgment form (similar to a Medicare ABN: Advance Beneficiary Notice) stating that he/she understands they will be billed for these and the client/patient is expected to pay. Include this in your client/patient financial agreement.

Click here for a form you may consider adopting for your use.

Keep a lookout for part 2 of this blog. Part 2 will include scenarios in which a client/patient can abuse a professional relationship and how you as the mental health professional can appropriately handle such incidents.

Comments?

Have you ever experienced a strained relationship with any of your clients/patients? Do you have a difficult, abusive client/patient? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marital and Family Therapists.

We have had mental health professionals who became victims of completely unreasonable demands from their clients/patients (house sitting, pet sitting, etc.), stalking by their clients/patients, identity theft and computer hacking by their clients/patients. Don’t become a victim yourself.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist and advise you in dealing with difficult clients/patients. We can stop stalking, cyber-stalking and harassment. We can respond to client/patient letters. We can defend you if a client/patient files a complaint against you.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1999-2014 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.