Legal Status of Telemedicine, Non-face-to-face Treatment, and Digital Healthcare in the Republic of Korea

초록

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea and the rest of the world are experiencing a non-face-to-face era in most industries, including the medical field. The country’s status as an aging society has led to its search for “digital healthcare,” which helps manage health to improve length and quality of life. Telemedicine, non-face-to-face treatment, and digital healthcare are expected to continue evolving even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, clarifying the legal status of each of the above concepts is necessary. This study examines the contents of the system addressed in current legislation and precedents. This study also conducts a comparative review on the contents of the system newly emerging in the bill. Regulating each type of telemedicine can lead to confusion in the legal system. Hence, the concept and scope of telemedicine under the Medical Service Act and non-face-to-face treatment under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act should be established for the future. Meanwhile, in this process, in principle, face-to-face treatment should be given priority. Telemedicine or non-face-to-face treatment should be performed only under special circumstances where face-to-face treatment is considerably problematic.

키워드