Preventing Medical Errors in Behavioral Health Course

Preventing Medical Errors in Behavioral Health Course is organized by Professional Development Resources (PDR), Inc.

Course Description:
Preventing Medical Errors in Behavioral Health is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that examines the ways in which clients can be harmed in mental health practice, and the many strategies for anticipating and avoiding such undesirable outcomes.

This course is intended to increase clinicians’ awareness of the many types of errors that can occur within mental health practice, how such errors damage clients, and numerous ways they can be prevented. Its emphasis is on areas within mental health practice that carry the potential for "medical" errors. 

Examples include improper diagnosis; breaches of privacy and confidentiality; mandatory reporting requirements; managing dangerous clients; boundary violations and sexual misconduct; the informed consent process; and clinical and cultural competency. 

Also included are sections on psychotherapy in the digital age, including the use of social networking systems, the challenges of maintaining and transmitting electronic records, and engaging in the practice of teletherapy.

*This course satisfies the medical errors requirement for license renewal of Florida mental health professionals.

Learning Objectives:
• List three ways in which clients may be harmed by receiving an improper diagnosis
• Identify two exceptions to confidentiality and privileged communications
• Describe two examples of situations that warrant mandatory reporting
• Distinguish between boundary “crossings” and boundary “violations”
• Specify three issues therapists need to consider before using social networking systems
• Name at least four guidelines to be observed in offering teletherapy services