COVID and Telehealth Updates

We recommend visiting NASW's page on COVID information for advocacy work, self-care, telehealth, workforce issues, and other topics. 

Safety Considerations

We suggest that all providers follow the guidelines from the CDC, as well as directives and guidelines from state and local governments as information is being updated sometimes daily. Following the CDC and state guidelines to the best of your ability will ensure you and your client’s safety.

Malpractice Insurance

Review your own professional insurance policy on malpractice and review the information around telehealth and where it is provided. 

HIPAA

Typically, you need to choose a HIPAA-compliant platform for telehealth. Some are free, and some involve a cost, especially for full HIPAA compliance.

You may need to sign up with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for true HIPAA compliance. Read the platform policies carefully.

Some available platforms are listed below. None are endorsed by NASW. The first two listed have been recommended by a number of NASW members.

• doxy.me
• www.vsee.com
• www.simplepractice.com/telehealth
• www.vidyo.com
• www.polycom.com
• https://zoom.us/healthcare
• www.securevideo.com
• https://oncallhealth.us/
• https://www.regrouptherapy.com/
• https://www.wecounsel.com/
• https://www.thera-link.com/

Informed Consent

Some insurers may require a signed telehealth informed consent form. This is good practice regardless of requirements of the insurers you work with. NASW has created a Telemental Health Informed Consent form that you can use. 

POPULATION SPECIFIC MEASURES 

Community Action Programs in New Hampshire are committed to continuing to provide critical services to the most vulnerable residents of New Hampshire in the midst of this health crisis in our communities.  Below is some information on the status of agency operations and information on how each agency can be contacted.

Each Agency has updated information on services being offered, hours of operation, how to access emergency assistance, etc. on their website:

Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack Counties

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County

Southern New Hampshire Services

Southwestern Community Services

Tri-County Community Action Program

You can find community planning, webinars, and helpful site-specific emergency operations information here gathered from the CDC, HUD, National Health Care for the Homeless Council and more for service providers. 

Clients Facing Food Insecurity

The NH Food Bank is providing resources during COVID-19 to increase access to services. The website includes information on their partner agencies and SNAP Coordinator information. 

The NH Food Access Map can help you navigate local resources for your clients.

Provides information for children and families, additional resources, and provider webinars. 

NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence Webpage dedicated to providing information for survivors and their families during COVID-19. Webpage also includes NH Specific Resources for important legal information and more. 

Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration (SAMHSA) has an updated webpage with information on emergency grants, considerations for care in treatment settings, use of telemedicine for MAT, and other important guidance.

Virtual Recovery Resources 

OCD and Addiction Resources

SAMHSA has provided an in-depth document with information on all recovery virtual programs. 

NAMI-NH also has a webpage offering information and updates on programing as well as support group information.

Granite Pathways NH provides information for addiction recovery support information amid COVID-19 temporary closure of their clubhouses.