In what is a highly dynamic area which will be subject to considerable change, DLA Piper’s Telehealth around the world: A global guide provides an overview of the current state of telehealth regulations worldwide and helps to identify the opportunities, challenges and risks in 45 countries. 

Given the rapidly changing nature of this area, it is intended that this is a rolling report that will be updated as and when regulations around the world change.

DLA Piper’s Sydney-based IP and life sciences partner, Greg Bodulovic, one of the leading contributors to the report, said the broad adoption of telehealth by many governments, healthcare organisations, medical professionals and patients “indicates that it is becoming a cornerstone of healthcare systems globally”.

“A thorough understanding of the applicable regulatory regimes is key to operating in this space, whether in one country, across multiple jurisdictions, or worldwide,” he said.

“DLA Piper’s Global Telehealth Guide is a unique and innovative resource for those operating in this space or those looking to make their mark in this exciting area.”

The aim of the guide is to assist users to identify the opportunities, challenges and risks in the telehealth industry on a country-by-country basis.

The report highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused healthcare systems around the globe to rapidly — and in some cases, radically — rethink the delivery of medical care. The global expansion of telehealth services is one way where this transformation has occurred. This has resulted in significant opportunities in the field as well as unprecedented regulatory change.

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“The restrictions of movement in many parts of the world due to COVID-19 have caused governments to recognise the potential of telehealth, and amend laws and regulations seemingly overnight to enable healthcare providers to deploy telehealth solutions,” the report said.

“Many governments have adopted telehealth reforms in a matter of weeks, which may otherwise have taken years to be considered and introduced.

“Although many of these reforms presently have an expiration date (dependent on the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic), there is likely to be continued growth in telehealth due to the advantages of such a service — even after the pandemic. There are enormous opportunities in the telehealth space for businesses already operating in this field, businesses considering expanding into telehealth and start-ups.”

Marco de Morpurgo, DLA Piper partner and global co-chair of life sciences, said that the rapid growth of telehealth at a global level brings in a new era of innovation for healthcare.

“The fusion of healthcare and communications technology has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of healthcare services and improve outcomes for billions of people around the world. DLA Piper is excited to be at the forefront of advising in this dynamic sector,” he said.