On June 27, 2022, changes to Ohio Administrative Code Rules 4757-5-13 went into effect.  The Ohio Council advocated for these changes to align Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) board rules with other state and federal telehealth rules to ensure continued access to treatment via telehealth. Below is a brief summary of the changes.

Rule 4757-5-13 (Teletherapy) - defines the requirements for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists when providing services via teletherapy. The revisions to the rule establish in the permanent rule provisions adopted temporarily during the pandemic, to include waiving an initial face to face (video or in-person) licensee-client meeting and allowing for documented informed consent, as opposed to requiring written consent. Additionally, the Rule is revised to mirror language included in HB 122 that directs licensees to follow state and federal privacy and confidentiality requirements, allowing for enforcement discretion of HIPAA requirements related to teletherapy platforms due to the Federal Public Health Emergency. These changes will ensure the rule can address the unique nature of providing services in a range of settings, including health care settings, and primary, secondary, and post-secondary education settings.

You can access all the CSWMFT Rules at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/for-professionals/resources-for-professionals/Laws+and+Rules.