Cultural and Regulatory Context

Abstract

One of the main advantages of TBH is its ability to bypass geographic barriers. The wide geographic distances between teleclinicians and patients prompt considerations pertaining to possible cultural differences and underline the necessity of delivering culturally appropriate care. In addition, federal and jurisdiction-specific regulations govern the practice of remote care delivery, placing requirements for licensure, conditions for establishing a patient–clinician relationship, and restrictions on the prescribing of controlled substances. Cultural and regulatory considerations for TBH practice are discussed in this chapter.