How Technology is Impacting Medical Law

Technology and medicine are inseparable considering how the former improves the latter. By extension, we can also see how crucial technology is toward the crafting of official healthcare policy, addressing common issues on medical malpractice, and ensuring that practitioners and institutions are compliant with existing healthcare laws.

As technology continues to progress, so will the legalities that govern the healthcare sector. New tools require new sets of regulations that reference recent and past legal decisions. Not only are there opportunities but there are also risks that lawyers, policy-makers, and practitioners shouldn’t overlook. Here’s how new technology is impacting medical law.

The need for tech regulation

The emergence of artificial intelligence heralds an exciting time for the healthcare sector. There are now machine learning platforms that use algorithms to test the viability and reliability of potentially life-saving drugs. Artificial intelligence (AI) can also be harnessed to fast-track diagnostic procedures and elevate the quality of care management. However, these benefits come with risks as the tech sector is well aware of the threats AI brings, including job insecurity and massive data breaches.

Big data will surely play a role in helping hospitals become more efficient, but without regulation, this exciting innovation could lead to widespread malpractice and breach of trust. Relying on AI seems inevitable, but it’s crucial to talk about where liability rests when AI platforms fail and hurt patients. The same could be said when healthcare institutions use autonomous medical robots to treat patients. When injuries arise due to the actions of these machines, liability may rest on both the manufacturer and the institution handling them.

Privacy in light of telemedicine

For the past years, institutions and practitioners have relied on telemedicine to provide patients (especially the elderly and those with mobility issues) a highly accessible way to request consultations and follow-ups. However, privacy issues hound this new approach to offering consultations. These issues revolve around specific policies in certain areas where informed consent is required. Healthcare providers should also consult with insurance carriers if their policies cover telemedicine

In addition to complying with pertinent laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, healthcare institutions must also take local laws into account before implementing a telehealth program. Healthcare providers that wish to do so must outline the platforms they are using and the purpose for obtaining patient information virtually. Considering how sophisticated cyber threats have become, improving data security and privacy protection is an absolute must.

Improving injury investigations

Practitioners and hospitals play a key role in not only treating but also proving the nature of injuries caused by car crashes and workplace accidents. A local auto accident lawyer needs medical records to determine liability. The accuracy of these records could help lead toward a proper legal outcome in addition to improving the efficiency of treatment plans.

Technology will surely play a key role in ensuring that injury investigations are accurate and tracking the progress of injuries to determine their full extent. For instance, sensory rehabilitation technology can be used to monitor extensive nerve damage which could support personal injury claims in court.

Endnote

Innovation should be embraced by the medical community but adopting new tools and approaches shouldn’t come at the expense of the legal protections enjoyed by patients. Keeping these legal implications in view, practitioners can implement new technology without bypassing basic rights.