(HS Reamer 059361 2025) Documentation and Risk Management in Behavioral Health: Top Ethical Challenges
Tracking # 20-1313739
Course overview
Sometimes regarded as a "necessary evil," the reality is that the quality of practitioners' documentation often determines the outcomes of lawsuits and licensing board complaints filed against practitioners. Skilled documentation that is consistent with ethical standards can ensure you are providing quality services to your clients and often leads to positive litigation and licensing board decisions. Skilled documentation can also save you valuable time. In contrast, poor documentation can be disastrous when introduced as evidence in court and licensing board proceedings. Watch Dr. Frederic Reamer, a leading author of books and other publications on risk management and documentation in behavioral health, as he draws on his extensive experience as an expert witness for more than 30 years in litigation and licensing board cases throughout the United States. Dr. Reamer will provide a comprehensive overview of: State-of-the-art documentation standards When to be vague and detailed in clinical notes The advantages and disadvantages of short and long notes Key ethical issues and standards related to documentation in behavioral health Challenges when using electronic records Relevant statutes, regulations, and case law Common documentation mistakes Practical documentation strategies to protect clients and clinicians And much more! Too often practitioners' documentation exposes them to considerable risk related to audits and lost revenue. Documentation is an essential element of behavioral health - don't let the "necessary evil" affect your practice and clients.
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Certified Master Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Florida Board of Nursing
APRN Temporary Certificate for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Florida Board of Psychology
Psychologist
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Social Worker
Marriage and Family Therapist
Registered Social Worker Assistant
Disclosure statements
Financial: Frederic Reamer receives royalties as a published author. Frederic Reamer receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Frederic Reamer serves as an advisory board member of Ocean State Stories, Pell Center, Salve Regina University and an advisory editor for the Encyclopedia of Social Work Online. He is a member of NASW Code of Ethics Revision Task Force, National Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Paroling Authorities International.