Privacy and Internet-Based Telepractice

Abstract

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have historically been attuned to protecting the privacy of their clients. The recent proliferation of Internet-based communication for telepractice has resulted in new and constantly evolving threats to client privacy. This article provides an overview of key legal protections to privacy. With a focus on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP; e.g., Skype), the authors present an approach to risk assessment that includes a HIPPA Compliance Checklist (Watzlaf, Moeini, & Firouzan, 2010) and a team approach to oversight. Upholding Internet-based privacy within the current environment is an ongoing and challenging responsibility.