Private Practice Paperwork You Must Clean Up Before 2023

Afraid to look at the private practice paperwork you must clean up before 2023? Overwhelm can set in when you think about all of the rules that apply to forms needed for counseling. Listen to my latest podcast about fighting through fear and overwhelm and cleaning up that important paperwork. You'll get a step by step guide that will prepare your for 2023.

TCCBB 0110 Private Practice Paperwork You Must Clean Up Before 2023

What are the forms needed for counseling?

The clinical forms needed for counseling are usually determined by state licensing laws and federal privacy laws. In Texas, the counseling relationship begins when the client signs the consent for treatment (sometimes called a service agreement). Counselors who wish to share their client's protected health information (PHI) with another professional must also get them to sign a HIPAA compliant consent form. Other forms that are included in private practice include a face sheet with client demographic information.

What should a counseling intake form include?

The counseling intake form is a generic term that can mean the consent for treatment or the assessment the counselor will use to gather important client information. While the assessment gathers information, the consent for treatment gives the client information. Important parts of the service agreement include:

• Definition of counseling
• How to contact the counselor in case of emergency
• A fair late cancel/no-show policy
• Fees
• Telemedicine information
• Social media statement
• Information about HIPAA
• Information about the federal No Surprises act
• Contact information for the counselor's licensing board

Policy and procedures manual

The policy and procedures manual is not a clinical document. Counselors who are cleaning up their private practice paperwork are wise to include it their annual audit. The policy and procedures manual helps employees understand the practice operations and stay HIPAA compliant. Employers note that the policy and procedures also includes a progressive discipline plan that helps employees and contract workers understand expectations.

Free Forms Needed for Counseling Private Practice

Policy and Procedures Manual Template

Service Agreement 2021 Example

HIPAA Compliant ROI

Blog post by Kate Walker Ph.D., LPC/LMFT Supervisor

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