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From: Dick Mallard
Date: 03 Oct 2011
Time: 07:05:37 -0500
Remote Name: 70.115.247.185
Kevin and Michael, thanks for this article. I have been involved with providing therapy using a distance model for some time now. My emphasis is working with families of children who stutter. The issue of providing services to individuals in other states is an issue that needs to be resolved from both licensure and ethical standpoints. Ethically, we are not to provide services "solely" by distance means. Legally, we must be licensed to practice in the state where services are provided. I have been thinking about adopting a distance model where I educate the parents as to the variables that need to be monitored with children who stutter, focusing on parent education, not treating the child directly. It seems to me if I am providing "continuing education" for parents and then they apply what they learn with their child if they choose then I may not be in violation of state law. Given the shortage of specialists and the frequent inadequate management of stuttering in children, I am willing to explore novel ways of getting proper information to parents while at the same time being ethical and legal. There are many questions to be answered regarding distance therapy and I hope numerous professionals and consumers will share their thoughts. Thanks again for this article.