I just read a blog post at Skype
http://blogs.skype.com/play/2012/01/need-some-support-but-short-on.html
Interestingly, our very own Kate Anthony was quoted in the Skype blog post! (and here’s why that’s interesting…)
The post is great but leaves me quite puzzled why Skype is promoting their platform for online therapy when a spokesperson for Skype has stated that Skype is not HIPAA compliant. See: https://onlinetherapyinstitute.com/2011/03/videoconferencing-secure-encrypted-hipaa-compliant/
Mind you, Skype is secure and encrypted, but for therapists in the United States, we must use a HIPAA compliant platform- at least most of us.
What does that mean? It means that any data held on the server is held in a way that complies with HIPAA law and while video and audio calls are not maintained on Skype’s servers, chat transcripts are.
I am hoping that Skype will go down that HIPAA road so that we can give a nod of approval rather than, “But wait…what about HIPAA?”
I tried to respond to the Skype blog for direct feedback but I could not get my post to go through (on google chrome or explorer) so I am hoping that tweeting this to Skype will garner a response.
I would bet most online therapists would do a jig if Skype would step up to the HIPAA plate.
I will keep you updated as we learn more.
DeeAnna
Originally published by Online Therapy Institute, Inc. February 12, 2012 for the Online Therapy Institute Blog
Update 10/2012:
This post offers additional information about Skype and HIPAA:
http://www.techhealthperspectives.com/2012/06/22/is-skype-hipaa-compliant/