Strategies to Lower the Risk of Ethics Complaints and Malpractice Actions in Mental Health Care

This workshop reviews proactive strategies to reduce the probability of ethics complaints to community agencies and mental health licensing boards as well as the filing of malpractice suits against mental health practitioners.  The risks of such actions are discussed in the context of socio- cultural trends including the practices of managed care companies, the rise of “ political correctness”  and the overall decline and weakening of the mental health care system in many parts of the United States.

The similarities and differences between non-admirable behavior,  ethics violations and illegal behavior as well as the similarities and differences between complaints filed with community agencies, state mental health licensing boards and malpractice actions will be clarified.

This workshop also addresses erroneous assumptions/beliefs about ethics complaints and malpractice actions as well as risk factors which can increase the likelihood of clients going forward with such actions.  Also discussed are the clinical situations and professional roles that are likely to trigger complaints. As well, client and mental health practitioners' personal and situational vulnerabilities which can elevate risk for complaints will be outlined.

Risk management strategies to lower risk and mitigate the impact of a complaint or a malpractice suit will be reviewed.  These include how to compose and update effective informed consent forms, treatment notes and other office records as well as how and when to obtain consultation/supervision including collateral medical and specialty mental health evaluations.

This program will be facilitated by esteemed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, Dr. Jerrold Pollak. Please visit the 'Instructor Bios' tab for additional information.

6.0 Category A Continuing Education hours for licensure have been applied for through NASW-NH.