Legal considerations for nurses practicing in a telehealth setting

During the last century the world has become increasingly reliant on a variety of technologies to manage information needs. Escalation in deployment of remote technology to enhance health care, accompanied by expanded public and private reimbursement for distant care, indicates increasing acceptance of these technologies. Yet many legal and regulatory questions regarding the provision of health care using these technologies remain. This article will discuss the foundations of telehealth nursing and address legal and regulatory issues emerging from this new practice modality.