A decree of October 19, 2010, has been issued by the government to define the notion of telemedicine and under which conditions telemedicine can be exercised by healthcare professionals.


The notion of telemedicine is defined as performing remotely, using new technologies, the following medical actions: patient consultations, expertises (communication of medical opinions between healthcare professionals), medical monitoring (follow up of patient’s health), medical assistance (assistance between healthcare professionals for medical treatments/actions) and medical regulation (continuity of care and medical emergencies).


The use of telemedicine by healthcare professionals must be secured and regulated by a contract concluded between all the parties (entities and healthcare professionals) communicating by telemedicine means.


Moreover, resorting to telemedicine is subject to the prior consent of patients and to the implementation of the following security measures:


  • authentication of healthcare professionals;

  • identification of each patient;

  • secured access of healthcare professionals to the patient’s data necessary for the performance of a medical action;

  • sensitization of patients to the use of telemedicine systems, if necessary;

  • data retention means compliance with legal requirements relating to the storage of health data.


Bodies and professionals who already practice telemedicine must comply with these new rules by April 20, 2012.


 


 

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