Telepsychiatry regulation represents the most sensitive and specific segment of telemedicine. Delivering mental health services remotely involves unique risks, such as suicide risk assessment, prescribing psychotropic medications, and protecting patient confidentiality. In Georgia, psychiatric assistance is regulated by a special law, which places additional requirements on providers. For example, how should the need for patient hospitalization be assessed via video call? Is it permissible to prescribe controlled substances remotely? This service helps psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and clinics manage these risks and operate within the legal framework.
Specialists on Legal.ge offer specialized legal assistance in telepsychiatry:
- Suicide risk protocol: Developing a legally sound action plan for crisis situations (when a doctor should call police or ambulance).
- Psychotropic medication regulations: Consulting on restrictions for remote prescribing of Group I and II medications.
- Services for minors: Issues of parental consent and protection of children's rights during online therapy.
- Confidentiality and data protection: Implementing enhanced standards for protecting psychiatric data (special category data).
- Patients abroad: Resolving jurisdictional issues when the patient is located in another country (licensing and liability).
A practical example is a doctor consulting a patient online and noticing the patient is in an acute psychotic state. During a physical visit, the doctor has leverage to act, but remotely, their capabilities are limited. If the doctor lacks a pre-written legal protocol and the patient harms themselves, the issue of the doctor's liability arises. Prescribing psychotropic drugs is also critical — legislation strictly limits their prescription without physical assessment to prevent abuse.
In Georgia, the field is regulated by the Law "On Psychiatric Assistance" and the Law "On Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Precursors and Narcological Assistance." These acts define patient rights and doctor obligations. Special attention is paid to patient informed consent and the right to refuse treatment, which must be fully protected in the remote mode as well.
Working with a specialist begins with developing an "Informed Consent Form," which details the limitations of telepsychiatry. The lawyer will also help you create a technical security policy so that session recordings (if made) are maximally protected, as their leak causes severe harm to the patient.
Legal.ge is a safe space for mental health professionals. Telepsychiatry increases service accessibility but requires high legal responsibility. Our experts will help you manage this responsibility professionally.
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