Telehealth Compliance
As medical technologies progress, so too the regulations surrounding them. Telehealth is a prominent example of this, as medical services can be provided over a computer or other digital platform. Unfortunately, telehealth carries a greater risk of running afoul of certain regulations compared to more traditional medical treatments. For any organization within the telehealth space, regulatory compliance must be regarded as a non-negotiable priority. Integration of a certification management program can help ensure telehealth businesses remain compliant at all times in their endeavors.
A chief factor in achieving regulatory compliance is the maintenance of a rigorous program for certification. This requires the proactive management of valid certifications, external audits, and other documentations of adherence to the applicable rules and regulations. Such a system should explicitly stipulate the requirements for permission to engage in any activity, to whom in the organization must be granted permission, when such permission is necessary, and who various internal stakeholders should contact in case of any discrepancies.
When businesses neglect to instrument a certification management program, they risk being subjected to a variety of sanctions. Such sanctions come in the form of large fines and the potential withholding of contracts. Additionally, businesses may suffer a significant financial and reputational loss if they fail to update their certifications. This can be due to technology changes, the expiration of valid certificates, inconsistencies in previously provided certifications, or changes in personnel/roles within the organization. The negative repercussions of allowing these scenarios to pass unacknowledged are far-reaching, and make a proactive system of management all the more important.
Crucially, such a system needs to be maintained by a dedicated leader within the organization, as well as partnering with appropriate external advisors. This individual should be someone who is familiar with the organization’s operations and the regulations regarding them. In addition, the support of the executive team is essential in ensuring that all members of the organization are aware of the principles of certification management. This will guarantee long-term adherence to regulations, thereby enabling the organization to enjoy continued success.
In sum, certification management is a key aspect of regulatory compliance in telehealth. Without the implementation of a comprehensive system of management, telehealth businesses may be at significant risk of economic and reputational harm. By assigning a dedicated leader to manage the certification process, as well as actively engaging the executive team, organizations can proactively prepare for the requirements of telehealth regulations and maintain their position in the marketplace.
