1. PURPOSE: the purpose of this form is to obtain your consent to participate in a telehealth consultation in connection with the following procedure(s) and/or service(s): Medical Services and Mental Health Services via TELEHEALTH, including streaming video and audio feeds, with recording.
2. NATURE OF TELEHEALTH CONSULT: During the telehealth consultation:
a. Details of your medical history, examinations, x-rays, and test will be discussed with other health professionals through the use of interactive video, audio, and telecommunication technology.
b. A physical examination of you may take place.
c. A non-medical technician may be present in the telehealth studio to aid in the video transmission.
d. Video, audio and/or photo recordings may be taken of you during the procedure(s) or service(s).
3. MEDICAL INFORMATION & RECORDS: All existing laws regarding your access to medical information and copies of your medical records apply to this telehealth consultation. Please note, not all telecommunications are recorded and stored. Additionally, dissemination of any patient-identifiable images or information for this telehealth interaction to researchers or other entities shall not occur without your consent. I understand that I have a right to access my personal information and copies of case records in accordance with Federal Law, Georgia Law and the GA Composite Board. I have read and understand the information provided above. I have discussed it with my provider, and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
4. CONFIDENTIALITY: The laws that protect the confidentiality of my personal information also apply to telehealth. Reasonable and appropriate efforts have been made to eliminate any confidentiality risks associated with the telehealth consultation, and all existing confidentiality protections under federal and Georgia state law apply to information disclosed during the telehealth consultation. However, there are both mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality, including, but not limited to reporting child, elder, and dependent adult abuse; expressed threats of violence towards an ascertainable victim; expressed threat to harm or kill self; and where I make my mental or emotional state an issue in a legal proceeding.
5. RIGHTS: You may withhold or withdraw consent to the telehealth consultation at any time without affecting your right to future care or treatment or risking the loss or withdrawal of any program benefits to which you would otherwise be entitled.
6. RISKS: I understand that there are risks and consequences from telehealth, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on the part of the provider that: the transmission of my personal information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures; the transmission of my personal information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons; and/or the electronic storage of my personal information could be access by unauthorized persons.
a. In addition, I understand that telehealth-based services and care may not be as complete as face-to-face services. I also understand that if my provider believes I would be better served by another form of intervention (e.g. face-to-face services) I will be asked to make a face-to-face appointment or I will be referred to another health professional who can provide such services in my area.
b. I understand that there are potential risks and benefits associated with any form of telehealth services and that despite my efforts and the efforts of my provider, my condition may not improve, and in some cases may even get worse.
c. I understand that I may benefit from telehealth mental health services, but that results cannot be guaranteed or assured.
7. EMERGENCIES/CRISIS: By signing this document, I agree that certain situations including emergencies and crises are inappropriate for audio/video/computer based medical and/or mental health service.
a. If I am in crisis or in an emergency, I should immediately call: 9-1-1 or seek help from a hospital or crisis-oriented health care facility in my immediate area. I understand that emergency situations include but are not limited to chest pain, shortness of breath or if I have thought about hurting or killing either another person or myself, if I have hallucinations, if I am in a life threatening or emergency situation of any kind, having uncontrollable emotional reactions, or if I am dysfunctional due to abusing alcohol or drugs.
b. I acknowledge I have been told that if I feel suicidal, I am to call 9-8-8 for immediate assistance.
8. CONSEQUENCES & BENEFITS: You have been advised of all the potential risks, consequences and benefits of telehealth. Your health care provider has discussed with you the information provided above. You have had the opportunity to ask questions about the information presented on this form and the telehealth consultation. All your questions have been answered, and you understand the written information provided above.