Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Dial ‘T’ for Terrible Telehealth Laws
When Mike Abell’s young son was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, a phone call proved to be a vital lifeline.
Today, that phone call might be illegal—thanks to some strict limitations that New Jersey places on telemedicine calls with doctors in other states.
“As parents of a child with cancer, you’re already fighting an impossible journey,” says Abell. Those rules, meanwhile, are only “making it harder.”
At the other end of that phone call was Dr. Shannon MacDonald, a specialist in proton radiation therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She treated Abell’s son, Jun, who made a full recovery.
On one hand, modern medicine makes use of incredible, cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, public policy has forced the industry to remain stuck in an earlier technological age—before phones, before the internet, before Zoom—when a doctor had to be in the same room as a patient to provide treatment.
“Physicians are confused. Our ethical obligations are in direct contradiction with the law,” says MacDonald. “Your ethical obligation is the right thing to do, but it’s technically against the law and it could put your license at risk.”
A doctor who treats a patient in New Jersey without holding an active New Jersey medical license could face three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Separately, the unlicensed practice of telemedicine and telehealth in New Jersey carries a civil penalty of $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses.Â
And it’s not just New Jersey. More than half the states in the country h
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.