| I. PURPOSE
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| To specify conditions and circumstances necessary to provide timely and appropriate Telemental Health Services by Lanterman-Pertris-Short (LPS) authorized clinicians.
Contracted agencies shall develop an internal policy and associated procedures that are consistent with their organizational practices and meet the requirements set forth in this policy.
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| II. DEFINITIONS
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| Telemental Health (TMH) Services: The use of video teleconferencing solutions by a mental health practitioner to provide services to a client who is at a location different from the practitioner.
LPS Authorized Clinician: Clinicians who have applied for and are authorized by the DMH Director/designee to evaluate individuals for involuntary detention pursuant to WIC § 5150 in the course of their employment in a specifically approved program.
Video Teleconferencing: The use of two-way, real-time, interactive audio and video technology to connect individuals that are separated by geographical distance.
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| III. POLICY
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| LPS authorized clinicians may provide TMH Services to individuals in LPS designated sites.
TMH services provided under the provisions of this policy must be in accordance with DMH Policy 308.01.
An examination or assessment pursuant to WIC §§ 5150 and 5585 may be conducted using telehealth.
An examination or assessment provided pursuant to WIC §§ 5150 and 5585 shall be consistent with the County’s authority to designate facilities for evaluation and treatment, pursuant to WIC §§ 5150, 5404, and 5585.
This assessment shall be made face-to-face either in person or by synchronous interaction through a mode of telehealth that utilizes both audio and visual components.
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| IV. PROCEDURES
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| No procedures are associated with this policy.
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| V. AUTHORITIES
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| VI. ATTACHMENT
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| No attachments are associated with this policy.
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