Copyright American Psychological Association. 2020
Legal and Regulatory Consultations
Although our staff attorneys do not give legal advice, the Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs provides free consultations to APA members only.
Our staff attorneys are well-versed in issues facing psychologists and are available to answer APA members’ questions on practice-legal issues. Contact us for guidance on questions such as:
Starting a new practice.
Audits by insurance companies.
Responding to subpoenas and other requests for patient information.
HIPAA and patient confidentiality.
Recordkeeping.
Reporting suspected abuse.
Dealing with dangerous patients.
Providing telehealth services.
Closing or selling your practice.
To request a consultation fill out the form below or call (202) 336-5930.
Practice-Related Legal Resources
Psychologists face a myriad of legal issues related to practice, so having quick access to information is necessary to make good decisions.
What do you do when you receive a subpoena? When is it appropriate to release patient records to a third party? How do you respond to an audit by an insurer? What can you do if a patient owes you for unpaid sessions?
These are just a few of the issues that APA Services, Inc. can help you evaluate. Visit the sections below for detailed information on various practice-related topics.
View this section for guidance related to audit requests, demands for payment, and challenges to billing practices
Insurance and Managed Care
HIPAA Compliance
See resources for compliance with key rules under HIPAA, including the Privacy Rule, Security Rule and Breach Notification Rule.
APA Pandemic Resource Collection
APA PANDEMIC HOTLINE
For APA Members & Affiliates
The Pandemic Hotline for APA Members is an exclusive benefit to assist members with highly focused information and enhanced service during this global pandemic. Read disclaimer
We have provided a collection of resources below that may provide you the information you require. If you are unable to locate the answer to your specific question, contact the Member Hotline at 1-855-682-8302 Monday – Friday 7 am – 7 pm CST and a representative will assist you or get you in touch with our experts, including student loan advisors, and professional liability insurance representatives, to answer your questions on topics directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as:
- Loans from the Small Business Administration under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL)
- Support available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Loans from the Main Street lending program
- Employee leave issues under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
- Student loan forbearance relief
The latest on virtual learning, student loan management, staying on track and more
Education, Training and Distance Learning
Access to consultation services from staff experts on issues impacting your work
Ethics Resources
Continually updated resources for psychologists, health-care workers and the public
APA COVID-19 Information and Resources
The latest advocacy updates, reimbursement and licensing and regulatory guidance and other information to help navigate during the pandemic
Practice Resources
Information, resources and support for researchers, educators and students during COVID-19
Science and Research
Resources and best practices related to COVID-19 and telehealth
American Professional Agency
Answers to questions such as starting a new practice, dealing with dangerous patients, HIPAA issues and more
Legal Issues
Your APA membership gives you access to exclusive resources focusing on the impact of COVID-19 to you, your work, and your business.
The APA Member Hotline and related information are an APA Member benefit.
CALL 1-855-682-8302
