The Do’s and Don’ts of Releasing Protected Health Information
With the increase in requests for protected health information (PHI) and continued regulations surrounding the release of PHI information, psychiatrists need to be aware of the common pitfalls related to releasing medical records. Failure to comply with state and federal regulations may result in fines, penalties and/or disciplinary action. This presentation will discuss various situations where PHI may be requested and how to respond appropriately.

This webinar will assist participants to identify the potential liability exposures associated with releasing protected health information and how to respond to requests to release protected health information.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, attendees will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of HIPAA, the 21st Century Cures Act, PHI and Confidentiality.
• Identify the risks associated with releasing protected health information to patients and third parties.
• Apply best practices for responding to record requests and release of protected health information. 

Your Patient’s Gender Identity and Expression Matters
Lack of access to mental health professionals competent in treating transgender patients is an issue, especially in communities with sparse resources. By increasing the training and knowledge of mental health providers in underserved areas can increase access to this population of patients.

This webinar will assist participants in understanding gender identity and expression and why it is important as part of patient care. The presentation will cover topics such as sex assigned at birth, gender dysphoria, transgender prejudice and the potential liability exposures associated with caring for transgender adults and children. Risk management tools will assist the learner with decreasing risk to their office practice.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, attendees will be able to:

• Describe key terminology related to sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. 
• Evaluate why it is important to acknowledge a patient’s gender identity and expression as part of their mental health care. 
• Apply risk management strategies when treating the subset of patients to decrease liability of a malpractice action or licensing board complaint.

Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of psychiatrists in clinical practice.

Planners and Faculty
Allison Funicelli, MPA, CCLA, ARM, CPHRM, DFASHRM
AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World

Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by American Psychiatric Association (APA) and American Professional Agency, Inc. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

AMA Credit Designation Statement
American Professional Agency, Inc. (APA) designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
APA does not accept financial support from ineligible companies for CME activities. No one in a position to influence course content has anything to disclose.

Estimated Time to Complete
2.0 hours, exclusive of breaks

Disclaimer
The purpose of this activity is to provide general information on risk management issues.  The information presented does not constitute legal advice.