LAC 46:XXV.509. Telesupervision

A. Definitions 1. In-Person Supervision—clinical supervision conducted through real time, face-to-face meetings of the supervisee and supervisor in the same physical location. 2. Telesupervision—clinical supervision conducted through the use of real time, face-to-face synchronous interactive conferencing between the supervisee and supervisor through electronic, visual, and audio means. B. Social workers engaging in electronic practice who provide services to clients in Louisiana shall be licensed to practice in Louisiana. Social workers who are licensed to practice in jurisdictions other than Louisiana and/or who are pursuing clinical licensure in another state shall be licensed to practice in Louisiana to engage in telesupervision. Social workers shall be actively engaged in the practice of social work in Louisiana to receive telesupervision. The supervisor shall be a Louisiana licensed supervisor. C. A BACS licensed in Louisiana shall not provide telesupervision to social workers in pursuit of a clinical license in Louisiana who are not actively practicing social work in Louisiana. A BACS may provide telesupervision from outside of Louisiana, when located outside of Louisiana. D. Licensed social workers who engage in telesupervision shall: 1. Complete 1.5 hours of continuing education in telesupervision. This is a one-time requirement. Documentation of completion shall be provided to the board. 2. Adhere to and preserve the confidential nature of supervision and the supervision process. 3. Ensure that clients whose records may be discussed as a part of supervision provide written informed consent to having confidential records and information transmitted electronically in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. 4. Conduct telesupervision in a setting that adheres to licensure and interstate boundaries regarding location of the supervisor and supervisee and in a manner that protects the privacy of both parties and client information. The supervisor shall terminate the telesupervision session if the confidentiality of the process is compromised inclusive but not limited to malfunction or inoperability of the technology platform that contributes to the impediment of the telesupervision process. 5. Utilize secure transmittal methods, (encryption, for example) to maintain confidentiality of information and maintain proficient knowledge and skills in the utilization of electronic platforms. 6. Ensure continuity, consistency, and format of supervision delivery are clearly outlined in the written supervision contract. The supervision contract shall indicate the format of delivery and safeguards for the supervision process.