Romania is one step closer to regulating telemedicine, as the draft general legal framework is now open to public debate ahead of its expected approval. 

On 19 November 2020, general legal framework on telemedicine was first introduced in Romania through the Government Emergency Ordinance (GEO) 

The GEO is not yet applicable as it still requires the methodological norms to be enacted. Thus, the draft that was published for public debate represents a priority for the authorities and is expected to be enacted before the end of next week. 

The new legislation is intended to improve patient access to medical services in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

The legislation includes detailed provisions on the conditions for the functioning of the telehealth services and standards that must be met by the services providers, however it leaves certain important elements not regulated, such as the requirements to meet data privacy standards and data security or manner of documenting that patient informed consent was properly obtained. 

 The legislative proposal showcases the need to adjust to the fast-paced evolving environment and to the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

***

To read more about telehealth, please download our Telehealth around the world: A global guide. In the Guide, you will find an overview of the current state of telehealth regulations' in 45 jurisdictions worldwide, along with the opportunities, challenges, and risks on a country-by-country basis.

Article source: http://www.ms.ro/acte-normative-in-transparenta/