The Council on Digital Health, Innovation, and Technology supports APA leadership and stakeholders by developing educational tools, advocacy materials, and resources for members—on the technical, regulatory, and clinical landscape of technology in the practice of psychiatry. The Council oversees and addresses emerging issues in the realm of digital mental health, telepsychiatry, augmented intelligence and technological innovations. Focus areas include:

• Regulatory, reimbursement, and compliance considerations for interactive and asynchronous technologies;
• Clinical decision-making in selecting appropriate tools and modalities; integration of interoperable data systems such as EHRs and health information exchanges;
• Trends in technology adoption and implementation across psychiatric practice; and the
• Impact of these technologies on equity, access, and quality of care.

Term

Three years; volunteer leaders will be eligible for reappointment for an additional three year term at the conclusion of their first term.

Expected Time Commitment

The Council meets virtually on a monthly basis. In addition, ad hoc meetings may be scheduled for workgroups as needed. Council members may also be asked to provide input via email between meetings.

Desired Expertise

• Regulatory, Reimbursement, and Compliance
• Knowledge of policies and regulations related to telepsychiatry and digital mental health tools, including reimbursement frameworks, privacy and security standards, and licensure requirements. Familiarity with relevant federal and state agencies, such as:
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – particularly HIPAA compliance
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – especially around remote prescribing
  • State licensing boards and interstate compacts (e.g., IMLC)
• Clinical Technology Evaluation and Use
• Experience in selecting and integrating interactive and asynchronous technologies into psychiatric care, including decision support tools, mobile mental health apps, and telehealth platforms.
• Health IT and Interoperability
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchanges (HIEs), and data-sharing standards. Knowledge of initiatives and standards from:
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
  • Health Level Seven International (HL7) and FHIR standards
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – particularly 42 CFR Part 2 regulations
• Technology Adoption and Systems Implementation
• Insight into national and practice-level trends in adoption, utilization, and scaling of digital health technologies across psychiatric care settings.
• Equity, Access, and Quality of Care
• Commitment to advancing equitable access to care and reducing disparities in psychiatric outcomes through the use of digital technologies. Familiarity with frameworks from:
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  • SAMHSA and other organizations focused on vulnerable and underserved populations

Responsibilities

• Policy and Guidance Development
  • Contribute to the creation of recommendations, white papers, or position statements that inform best practices, regulatory advocacy, and clinical standards around the use of interactive and asynchronous technologies in psychiatry.
• Expert Consultation and Review
  • Provide subject matter expertise in reviewing and advising on issues related to reimbursement, regulatory compliance, interoperability, and technology evaluation, often in response to inquiries from the broader organization or external stakeholders.
• Monitoring Trends and Emerging Issues
  • Identify and assess emerging trends, tools, and policies impacting the use of digital technologies in mental health, and help guide the organization's response or proactive strategy.
• Promoting Equity and Access
  • Advocate for strategies and policies that ensure digital tools improve—not hinder—access, quality, and equity in psychiatric care, especially for underserved populations.
• Collaboration and Engagement
  • Participate actively in scheduled meetings, workgroups, and project-based initiatives. Contribute to discussions, provide timely input, and collaborate respectfully with fellow members.
• Outreach and Representation
  • Represent the committee’s work to internal and external stakeholders as appropriate, which may include speaking opportunities, liaising with relevant agencies (e.g., CMS, ONC, SAMHSA), or contributing to educational materials and conference sessions.