Which situation illustrates why verifying identity is important in telepractice?

• A. Verifying identity helps prevent dual relationships and ensures you are sharing information with the correct person.
• B. Identity verification is only about collecting more personal data.
• C. Identity verification is never needed in telepractice.
• D. Verifying identity always delays service with no benefit.

Answer: (A)

Verifying identity in telepractice protects client confidentiality and helps ensure you’re communicating with the person who is authorized to receive the information. In online care, it’s possible for someone to misrepresent themselves or for the wrong person to access protected health information, which can breach privacy, breach consent, and create boundary or safety risks. Confirming who you’re speaking with—through secure logins, verifying identifiers, or other authentication steps—supports ethical practice, legal protections, and effective, safe care.

The other statements aren’t correct because identity verification isn’t just about collecting more data, isn’t optional in telepractice, and can provide meaningful safety benefits even if it takes a moment longer.