Please review “New Policies Affecting Patient Confidentiality and Privacy in Mental Health Care” at the following link:
The recent return-to-office (RTO) mandate for VA mental health professionals, including those at the Greater Los Angeles (GLA) VA, raises serious concerns about patient confidentiality and the quality of care for veterans. Many VA facilities do not have sufficient private spaces for mental health providers, forcing clinicians to conduct sensitive therapy sessions in shared or open environments. This directly conflicts with ethical guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, both of which mandate the protection of patient confidentiality.
The APA has already voiced concerns about the impact of RTO mandates on patient privacy. Without secure and private spaces, veterans may feel uncomfortable seeking or continuing mental health care, which could negatively affect their well-being. Additionally, conducting therapy in non-confidential environments increases the risk of HIPAA violations if sensitive patient information is overheard or exposed.
To uphold ethical standards, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and provide high-quality care for veterans, GLA mental health workers should be exempt from the RTO requirement. Remote work allows providers to maintain confidentiality, foster trust with patients, and continue delivering effective mental health support without unnecessary disruptions.