Compliance: 7 answers to emergency telehealth expansion compliance questions (online only)

Why This Topic Matters

Providers moving quickly into telehealth needed to balance access to care with privacy, licensure, reimbursement, and fraud-and-abuse compliance requirements. The article helps readers understand the major federal and operational issues that shaped emergency telehealth implementation.

Article Sections

1. Emergency telehealth compliance overview

   Introduces the compliance context for rapid telehealth expansion during the COVID-19 emergency and the federal agencies involved.

2. Common risks for practices new to telehealth

   Covers general operational and privacy concerns that can arise when a practice quickly begins providing telehealth services.

3. Smartphone-based telehealth precautions

   Addresses considerations associated with using mobile devices for remote patient communication.

4. Risk comparison for practices already using virtual services

   Discusses how existing telehealth workflows and infrastructure affect a practice’s exposure and preparation.

5. OCR enforcement discretion

   Explains the federal privacy enforcement posture during the emergency and what that meant in general terms.

6. Non-HIPAA compliant platforms and related risks

   Reviews the broader risks associated with unsecured telehealth platforms and potential reporting implications.

7. Scope of the telehealth enforcement notice

   Clarifies the general scope of the federal telehealth discretion described in the article.

8. Copay waiver flexibility

   Summarizes the discussion of temporary flexibility around cost-sharing waivers and related compliance concerns.