PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Arizona Administrative Code, Article 11 specifies standards of practice related to clinical documentation and records-keeping. Failure to be aware of and follow these standards can leave a behavioral health professional vulnerable in the event that a client or other individual opens a complaint or brings a lawsuit against the professional. In this program, participants will learn about these standards of practice and how adherence to them can ensure higher quality of care to clients and also protect both the professional and the client. Common pitfalls will be identified and examples of both good and bad clinical documentation will be discussed.  This program is aimed at the intermediate skill level. 

FACULTY: Laura J. Waterman, Ph.D., LPC has been the Clinical Director of the Southern Arizona Mental Health Corporation (SAMHC) in Tucson, Arizona since 1999. SAMHC is a psychiatric crisis program employing over 100 clinical staff. She also served on the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners from January, 2004 through December, 2006 and during that time was Chair of the Counseling Credentialing Committee.  Prior to relocating to southern Arizona she worked for the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, was adjunct faculty at Marist College, State University of New York at New Paltz, and Columbia University; and served as a Research Scientist at the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. Her professional interests include clinical supervision, clinical documentation, and ethics.   

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

• discuss how to produce and recognize meaningful “Consents for Treatment”,

• Identify how to develop and update appropriate Treatment Plans,

• ensure that Clinical Records are appropriately maintained,

• ensure that all necessary elements are included in Clinical Records,

• identify minimum standards for Financial and Billing records,

• identify when, to whom, and under what circumstances clinical records can be released. 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Psychologists, social workers, mental health therapists, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals. 

AGENDA: 

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM          Registration and Introductions 

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM          Why are Clinical Documentation and Records-Keeping Important? 

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM       Consent for Treatment 

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM     Morning Break 

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM     Treatment Plans 

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM        Lunch (on your own) 

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM          Client Record 

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM          Afternoon Break 

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM          Financial and Billing Records 

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM         Confidentiality 

4:30 PM                            Program Closure 

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course. 

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $115.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material. Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Registration is not complete until payment received. Space is limited so please register early. Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee, will be made until thee days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date.  There will a $15.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Confirmation letters will not be sent Confirmation letters will not be sent.