Professional use of the Internet: Legal and ethical issues in a member care environment

Advances in communication technology have outpaced the development of accompanying legal standards and ethics codes. Therapists and physicians who utilize the Internet to provide services may knowingly or inadvertently create a professional relationship that is beholden to ambiguous legal and ethical guidelines. This article will examine these concerns with particular reference to member care professionals. Issues such as confidentiality, competence, consent, and jurisdiction will be addressed and several recommendations will be presented that can help mission organizations and member care professionals promote ethical practice and reduce legal liability when providing online services.