Aren't they required to conform to HIPAA? They cannot mix emails between Peer Counselors and clients with emails within the office environment. If their IT guys can't figure out how to effectively separate these classes of emails, and perhaps a HIPAA statement on every one that goes to a client, I would think that would violate the client's privacy. 
Otherwise, wouldn't storing those PC / client emails be in the same category as a hospital storing medical records? Under proper security  of course.

Maybe they could have one email address for business matters and another to be used solely for online consults.
Then again, online consults are difficult primarily because you can't see what is going on. Many problems with this - including potential legal liability for giving recommendations based on the client's words when the PC might say something different because she knows what to look for - if she could see the client and babe.

Bucket of worms here, in my opinion.

Phyllis
NOT a lawyer - just my opinion on things that make me uncomfortable.

---- Pat Young <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 

=============
>
> For instance, the county is insisting that all emails go through their 
> system, so that each email between the peer counselor and her clients can 
> be collected and recorded.
>
> Should all clients' emails to and from their peer counselors be collected 
> by third parties who are not health professionals?

NO 

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--
Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC
Glendale, AZ.
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