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

Advances in communication technology have outpaced the development of accom panying legal standards and ethics codes. Therapists and physicians who uti lize the Internet to provide services may knowingly or inadvertently create a professional relationship that is beholden to ambiguous legal and ethica l guidelines. This article will examine these concerns with particular refe rence to member care professionals. Issues such as confidentiality, compete nce, consent, and jurisdiction will be addressed and several recommendation s will be presented that can help mission organizations and member care pro fessionals promote ethical practice and reduce legal liability when providi ng online services.