삶의 질을 고려한 의료서비스 전달 수단의 변화와 법의 대응: 원격의료 대상 확대에 따른 법ㆍ정책적 문제를 중심으로

Telemedicine is the use of technology to connect patients and healthcare providers from a distance, and it allows for accessible, efficient, cost-effective, and convenient healthcare. Recently, Korean Supreme Court ruled that a medical doctor issued prescription after consulting a patient via telephone rather than face to face examination is legitimate based on the interpretation of the Medical Service Act, Article 17 section 1. And The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare had proposed expansion of remote medical treatments through pre-announcement of legislation and proposal of amendments thereafter. This study reviewed the concept and scope of telemedicine in the current Medical Service Act and the amendments contained in the recently announced legislation proposals. Furthermore, researched the necessary scope of telemedicine from the view of public health policy. Legislature on telemedicine should define the scope of telemedicine and the standards for the use of telemedicine to eliminate the uncertainties and risks such as telemedicine malpractice, informational privacy and to encourage the expansion of proper telemedicine use. It is necessary that to do so, the proper balance between maximizing the benefits of telemedicine and minimizing its risks.