Telehealth and Legal Implications for Nurse Practitioners

摘要

Abstract Telehealth, which uses electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare, is a growing trend that offers improved patient access, cost savings, and more engaged patients with better outcomes. For nurse practitioners who deal with patients in a variety of settings, telehealth can help improve healthcare delivery to underserved populations. However, there are challenges including wide variations in the rules, regulations, and practice guidelines surrounding telehealth. Nurse practitioners should implement practical advice and tips for utilizing telehealth, as well as risk management strategies to ensure better patient care and avoid malpractice litigation or licensing issues. Highlights ? Telehealth is a rapidly growing trend in health care. ? Benefits include improved patient access to care, cost savings, and better outcomes. ? Nurse practitioners can use telehealth to improve health care delivery to underserved patients. ? Potential legal implications and risks surrounding telehealth are discussed. ? Risk management strategies can help ensure best practice and avoid litigation and licensing issues.