Telehealth Informed Consent

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1. Overview of Telehealth Services

Oasis Mental Care provides psychiatric services through telehealth (also known as telepsychiatry), which involves the delivery of health care services using secure, interactive audio and video communication technology.

Your provider, Isabel C. Zapata, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, will conduct appointments remotely using a HIPAA-compliant video platform. This means you can receive care from any private location, as long as you are in a state where the provider is licensed.

2. Nature of Telehealth

By consenting to telehealth services, you understand that:

• Telehealth involves electronic communication between you and your provider, including video conferencing, phone calls, and secure messaging.
• Telehealth is not the same as an in-person visit. While it is clinically effective for many conditions, there may be limitations in the provider's ability to conduct a physical examination.
• The clinical interaction may involve the use of electronic health records, prescribing medications, and sharing information as permitted by law.

3. Benefits of Telehealth

• Increased access to psychiatric care without geographic barriers
• Convenience of receiving care from your home, office, or other private space
• Reduced travel time, costs, and waiting room exposure
• Continuity of care across distances (within licensed states)
• Improved access for individuals with mobility or transportation challenges

4. Risks & Limitations

Telehealth services may involve the following risks and limitations:

• Technology Failures: Poor internet connection, equipment failures, or software issues may disrupt or prevent sessions.
• Privacy Risks: Despite encryption and security measures, electronic communications carry inherent risks of interception or breach.
• Clinical Limitations: Some conditions may require in-person evaluation or care that cannot be provided via telehealth.
• Emergency Limitations: Telehealth is not appropriate for psychiatric or medical emergencies. In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

5. Your Responsibilities

As a telehealth patient, you agree to:

• Be in a private, quiet location during your session, free from interruptions.
• Use a device with a working camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
• Provide accurate and complete information about your medical and mental health history, current symptoms, and medications.
• Inform us of your physical location at the start of each session (you must be in a licensed state).
• Provide a local emergency contact and the name/address of the nearest emergency facility.
• Not record sessions without prior written consent from all parties.

6. Confidentiality & Privacy

All telehealth sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platforms. Your health information is protected by federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

We will not share your information except as permitted by law or with your written authorization.

7. Prescribing Medications

As a board-certified PMHNP-BC, Isabel C. Zapata may prescribe medications as part of your treatment plan. By engaging in telehealth services, you understand that:

• Medications may be prescribed based on clinical assessment conducted via telehealth.
• You are responsible for filling prescriptions at a pharmacy of your choice.
• You must report all current medications to avoid drug interactions.
• Follow-up appointments are required for ongoing medication management.

8. Right to Withdraw Consent

Your participation in telehealth is voluntary. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, for any reason, without affecting your right to future care. If you choose to withdraw consent, please notify us in writing.

9. Alternatives to Telehealth

Alternatives to telehealth include in-person psychiatric care with a local provider. If we determine that telehealth is not appropriate for your needs, we will provide referrals to in-person services.

10. Emergency Procedures

Telehealth is not an emergency service. If you experience a medical or psychiatric emergency:

• Call 911 immediately
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
• Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Telehealth Informed Consent, please contact:

• Provider: Isabel C. Zapata, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
• Email: mentalhealth@oasismentalcare.info
• Phone: (352) 832-4652
• Fax: (352) 204-1411