Telemedicine Law

Is telemedicine legal in Georgia?

Yes, remote medical services are legal provided they comply with healthcare licensing laws and patient data protection regulations. Liability rules apply similarly to in-person visits.

Can doctors issue e-prescriptions remotely?

Yes, licensed doctors can issue electronic prescriptions through government-approved digital platforms, subject to specific restrictions on certain medication categories.

How is malpractice handled in telemedicine?

If a doctor misses a diagnosis due to remote limitations, liability may arise. Legal disclaimers and clear terms of service are essential to manage expectations and risks.

Do I need a special license for telemedicine?

While a separate "telemedicine license" doesn't exist, your medical practice license must cover the services you provide remotely, and your platform must meet technical standards.

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Telemedicine Law is a broad legal discipline regulating the fundamental legal principles of remote medical services. Unlike technical compliance, this field covers the nature of the legal relationship between doctor and patient, liability allocation, service quality standards, and licensing requirements. In the digital age, where medical consultation often takes place on a smartphone screen, questions arise: where is the line between "medical advice" and "information"? What legal force does an electronic diagnosis carry? This service is designed for medical institutions, insurance companies, and doctors needing a solid legal foundation for remote practice.

Lawyers on Legal.ge offer in-depth legal support in telemedicine law:

  • Licensing consultation: Defining the scope and conditions of the medical practice license for remote services.
  • Contract drafting: Creating legally sound agreements between doctor and patient, as well as between clinic and technology provider.
  • Liability management: Analyzing risks of medical malpractice and legal assurance of insurance issues in telemedicine.
  • E-health regulations: Clarifying legal rules for issuing electronic prescriptions and sick leave certificates.
  • Dispute resolution: Representation in court or regulatory bodies regarding disputes related to telemedicine.

Legal risks in telemedicine are often related to diagnostic accuracy and communication quality. For instance, if a doctor fails to notice a symptom during a video call that would be obvious during a physical exam, the issue of professional negligence arises. Legal protection in such cases requires clear warnings (Disclaimers) and prior explanation of service limitations to the patient. Reimbursement issues are also relevant — how telemedicine services are reimbursed by insurance companies and on what legal grounds.

In Georgia, the legal framework for telemedicine relies on the "Law on Health Care," the Civil Code (service contracts, tort obligations), and government decrees. Although a separate "Telemedicine Law" does not exist, current legislation allows for remote services with certain caveats. The "Law on Patient Rights" guarantees the patient's right to quality service, regardless of the delivery method (in-person or remote).

Working with a specialist involves legal validation of your service model. The lawyer will help you formulate Terms of Service that protect your interests while remaining transparent for the patient. In case of a dispute, the attorney will assess whether the Standard of Care was met, considering the specifics of remote communication.

Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers who understand the nuances of medical law in a digital context. Telemedicine is the future of medicine, and proper legal architecture is the foundation upon which a trustworthy and successful medical practice must be built. Experts on our platform will help you create this foundation.

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