Which practice is required when using telehealth technologies in an ethical manner?

Which practice is required when using telehealth technologies in an ethical manner?

• A. Use any platform regardless of security
• B. Share client data on public networks
• C. Ignore privacy protections
• D. Obtain informed consent for telehealth and ensure privacy

Answer: (D)

Protecting confidentiality and obtaining clear consent are essential in telehealth. When you work with telehealth, you must obtain informed consent that explains how the technology will be used, what information may be shared, potential risks and benefits, alternatives, and how privacy will be protected. You also put privacy into action by using a secure, compliant platform with encryption, conducting sessions in private spaces, and limiting who can access the records to authorized personnel. This combination ensures clients understand what to expect and that their information is safeguarded, which is why obtaining informed consent for telehealth and ensuring privacy is the proper, ethical choice.

Using insecure platforms, sharing client data on public networks, or ignoring privacy protections would undermine confidentiality and violate ethical standards, which is why those options are not appropriate.