{"id":27752,"date":"2020-06-09T23:05:31","date_gmt":"2020-06-09T23:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.mtelehealth.com\/?p=27752"},"modified":"2020-06-09T23:05:31","modified_gmt":"2020-06-09T23:05:31","slug":"how-will-telehealth-change-after-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drmiltie.com\/at-home-testing\/how-will-telehealth-change-after-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"How Will Telehealth Change After the Pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sudden adoption of virtual care brings long-term legal challenges as the platform\u2019s popularity outlasts the pandemic.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Following previous incremental advancements in telehealth, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust the technology to center stage during a public health emergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtually overnight, federal and state regulators relaxed regulations spanning multiple agencies that historically hindered the ability of providers to deliver \u2014 and for patients to receive \u2014 telehealth services. In the wake of these flexibilities, visits have skyrocketed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can\u2019t put the genie back in the bottle. Our new normal is likely to involve fewer patient visits in order to support social distancing and increased sanitation, thus sustaining a strong demand for telehealth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although changes made during the pandemic are meant to be temporary, seismic shifts are in motion. The regulatory landscape will need to adapt to accommodate this evolution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward-thinking companies should prepare now and remain flexible to quickly adapt their telehealth arrangements post-pandemic. Here are several scenarios to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heightened Data Privacy Laws Requiring Greater Security and Vigilance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On March 17, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice<\/a> that it would not impose HIPAA penalties on providers for \u201cgood faith provision of telehealth during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency\u201d and permitted the use of remote communication products that are not public facing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more people shifting to remote care and a simultaneous spike in cybercrime<\/a>, regulators are poised to strengthen protections for personal information. Expect data privacy and security laws to return to normal following the pandemic and prepare for potentially more stringent privacy laws to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, providers should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n