Article
How to avoid abandonment claims when terminating care
Psychiatric clinicians may unilaterally decide to end a treatment relationship with a patient when the relationship is no longer therapeutic, such...
Article
Medical record documentation: What to do, and what to avoid
Medical record documentation serves as a reminder of previous discussions with patients and what happened during their visits, a reimbursement...
Article
Risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury: A review of the evidence
Understanding the differences in risk for adolescents and adults can help inform treatment.
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How to ‘cybersecure’ your practice
The health care sector is not immune from cybersecurity attacks (malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system).
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How to say ‘no’ to inappropriate patient requests
Although we may want to say “yes” when our patients ask us for certain medications, work excuses, etc, often it is more appropriate to say “no”...
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Closing your practice: What to consider
Closing your practice can be a stressful experience, and it requires careful planning. The process requires numerous steps, such as informing your...
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Inpatient violence: Take steps to reduce your risk
Inpatient violence is a significant problem for psychiatric facilities because it can have serious physical and psychological consequences for...
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Vaping: Understand the risks
From 2017 to 2018, the 30-day prevalence of “vaping” nicotine rose dramatically among 8th graders, 10th graders, 12th graders, college students,...
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Service animals and emotional support animals: Should you write that letter?
Understand the ramifications before advocating for patients to have such animals
For centuries, animals, especially dogs, have assisted...
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Workplace violence: Enhance your safety in outpatient settings
In the health care setting, workplace violence directed by patients against clinicians or other staff (eg, verbal or physical assaults) is common...
Article
Liability protection when practicing during a disaster: How the laws work
What you need to understand before offering to provide services during a disaster.
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Improving nonverbal communication during telepsychiatry sessions
Telepsychiatry appointments (eg, video conferencing) initially replaced face-to-face outpatient encounters during the first phase of the COVID-19...
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Storing patients’ credit card information: Keep it safe
Credit cards have made it easier for psychiatrists who work in outpatient settings to collect payment for their services.
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Assessing perinatal anxiety: What to ask
Emerging data demonstrate that untreated perinatal anxiety is associated with negative outcomes, including an increased risk for suicide.
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Metadata, malpractice claims, and making changes to the EHR
Because we cannot change metadata, guidance on making corrections in EHR documentation can help to minimize liability in medical malpractice cases...