Telemedicine Law is a rapidly growing legal field regulating the rules and standards for providing remote medical services. In Georgia, alongside the development of digital technologies, telemedicine is becoming increasingly in demand, creating new legal challenges for both clinics and patients. This field covers doctor-patient remote communication, electronic prescriptions, video diagnostics, and digital processing of health data. The legal framework for telemedicine ensures that remote services are as safe and high-quality as traditional visits. Key issues involve licensing, liability in case of errors, and the regulation of cross-border services.
Specialists on Legal.ge offer comprehensive legal support in the field of telemedicine, which includes:
- Telemedicine platform compliance: Auditing apps and websites for compliance with Georgian legislation (Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy).
- Licensing and permits: Consulting medical institutions on legal requirements for implementing remote services.
- Patient data protection: Developing data protection mechanisms for digital channels compliant with GDPR and Georgian law.
- Doctor liability insurance and regulation: Drafting contracts that regulate doctor liability during remote consultations.
- Electronic prescriptions: Legal advice on the rules for issuing electronic prescriptions and interacting with pharmacies.
Legal risks in telemedicine often manifest during practical operations. For example, a startup might create an app connecting patients with doctors but fail to consider that this could be deemed organizing medical activities, which requires a license. Another common scenario is when a doctor makes a diagnosis via video consultation that later proves incorrect due to technical limitations — raising issues of professional liability. Cross-border telemedicine is also relevant: can a Georgian doctor consult a patient in Europe without recognizing local licensing? These issues require deep legal analysis.
Telemedicine regulation in Georgia is based on several legislative acts. The Law "On Health Care" creates a general framework for medical activities. The Law "On Medical Practice" defines the rights and duties of doctors, including during remote services. Government decrees adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic are significant as they regulated remote services, although legislation continues to evolve. The Law "On Personal Data Protection" is crucial, as telemedicine involves transmitting health data over the internet. Regarding electronic documentation, the Law "On Electronic Document and Electronic Trust Services" applies.
Collaboration with a specialist involves a legal analysis of the business model. If you are creating a telemedicine app, a lawyer will draft user agreements that clearly distinguish informational services from medical services. For clinics, the lawyer designs internal protocols on how to identify patients and obtain consent remotely. In case of disputes, the lawyer defends the interests of the doctor or clinic, proving that services were rendered in accordance with established standards.
Legal.ge is your guide to digital health law. Telemedicine is an innovative field where technology often outpaces regulation, making qualified legal assistance essential for risk minimization. Our platform connects you with specialists who understand both medical regulations and IT law, ensuring the legal and successful operation of your telemedicine project.
Updated: ...