LEGAL MEASURES TO CONTROL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS : A CASE STUDY IN TELEMEDICINE SYSTEM

Abstract

Nowadays, communication technology has become an important part of daily life, whether in agriculture, education or public health. In addition, people are more concerned about their health. There are many new businesses of health care. In particular, people are very interested in telemedicine or the health care services through long distance medicine. This business has brought the benefits of technology. Therefore, the treatment is not only at the hospital or clinic. People can receive services at home or remote location. They do not have to waste the time traveling and waiting in queue.

        However, if the telemedicine system is used for patient, it must have legal measures. It used to increase the confidence of the service providers and to increase the safety of users. It used to protect the rights of service receiver. Currently, Thailand is still unclear about legal measures to control the requesting a license, giving a license and the professional standards in those businesses. There is unclear provision for enforcement of equipment or tools to connect the telemedicine systems. There are also vulnerabilities in the rights to protect the safety of personal health information. In addition, there is unclear on the rights to give consent before receiving medical treatment from the telemedicine system. Does the service receiver have the same rights as traditional health care? It’s for the customer to protect their rights.

        Therefore, the objective of this study is to consider the format, criteria, and legal measures in controlling the health technology business by using telemedicine system in Thailand. The data were analyzed to find legal measures in controlling standards and quality of health business by using telemedicine systems It will be clear and suitable for Thailand.