Medico-legal aspects of telehealth services for Victorian Public Health Services outlines the medico-legal aspects of using telehealth to provide health and medical advice and related services from various settings where healthcare services are provided and received, such as, but not limited to, hospitals, specialist medical clinics, local medical centres and even patient homes.
Is is limited to the discussion of the Victorian laws and relevant national legislation that also applies to Victorian health services. It is beyond the scope of this document to more fully consider the legal frameworks of other jurisdictions. Health services that have entered into arrangements with hospital and health service providers in other states and territories or internationally should seek legal advice as to the laws that apply to the specific circumstances.
This document recognises that there are challenges associated with telehealth, but that if those challenges are understood and managed, any associated risks can be controlled. Registered health practitioners and other health practitioners who provide services using telehealth are already skilled and capable of providing care of an appropriate standard. The provision of training, clinical guidelines and support for GPs, nurses, hospitals and health services to collaborate and agree on their roles and how they will manage the delivery of health services using telehealth are all expected to assist significantly with the management of the challenges which are unique to telehealth services. For example, improved documentation and communication are key risk management tools.
It is provided as a resource only and is general in its discussion of telehealth challenges and risk management approaches.
Nothing in this document should be considered legal advice from the Victorian Department of Health (Department) or a direction or recommendation from the Department.
The Department and the State of Victoria each disclaim all liability for reliance on any information in this document. Health practitioners and health service providers should seek independent legal advice about any medico-legal matters relating to telehealth as it applies in their specific circumstances.
Details
- Date published
- 25 May 2022
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Reviewed 23 October 2023