Question

Analyze the role of the regulatory environment in adoption of telehealth. Defend this role or devise a different alternative.

Answer 1

Telehealth is the application of evaluative, consultative, preventative, and therapeutic services delivered through telecommunication and information technologies. Occupational therapy services provided by means of a telehealth service delivery model can be synchronous, that is, delivered through interactive technologies in real time, or asynchronous, using store-and-forward technologies. Occupational therapy practitioners can use telehealth as a mechanism to provide services at a location that is physically distant from the client, thereby allowing for services to occur where the client lives, works, and plays, if that is needed or desired

# Benefits :-

- increased accessibility of services to clients who live in remote or underserved areas

- improved access to providers and specialists otherwise unavailable to clients

- prevention of unnecessary delays in receiving care

- workforce enhancement through consultation and research among others

# State licensure laws

Institution-specific guidelines regarding supervision of occupational therapy students and personnel

AOTA Guidelines for Supervision, Roles, and Responsibilities During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services (AOTA, 2009)

Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards (2010) (AOTA, 2010a) must be followed, regardless of the method of supervision

# Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Given the inconsistent adoption and nonuniformity of language regarding the use of telehealth within occupational therapy, it is incumbent upon the practitioner to check a state's statutes, regulations, and policies before beginning to practice using a telehealth service delivery model.