Comparison Between Licensure for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Telehealth Services for Resident Nurse
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a technology assessment technique that does not involve physical contact with the patient being monitored. From the point of care, it is assumed that this method includes a wide variety of data collection. On the other hand, telehealth delivers healthcare services through a live, encrypted video connection between the patient and the healthcare practitioner. The patient, on the other hand, is still physically present. Synchronous telehealth provides medical care in which the patient and the healthcare professional (advanced practice registered nurse- APRN) is physically present at the same time and location.
Although RMP is a subset of telemedicine, the most significant differences are the payment system and the patient’s expectation to be paid for services, in addition to the fact that a medical practitioner oversees RPM patients. The nurse could collect health data using digital technologies and electronically transfer it to healthcare practitioners for diagnostic and monitoring purposes (Bouabida et al., 2022). The process is supervised and monitored by the healthcare professional. The person in charge of supervision may submit a bill for services rendered.
The House Bill 23 act establishes different standards for the operation of telehealth services in Florida than other states and the federal government. It creates a registration process for out-of-state medical practitioners who want to use telehealth in their practice to provide healthcare services throughout Florida. Registered and advanced practice nurses, on the other hand, must meet license requirements. The statute was developed with the assistance of thirteen council members who are also members of the Florida Telehealth Advisory Committee and The Florida Telehealth Community. This regulation defines telehealth as the remote exchange of medical information between a patient and a physician acting within the scope of his or her practice (Hamilton et al., 2020). Remote diagnosis, monitoring of patients’ conditions, education, and patient interventions performed without the patient’s physical presence in a hospital are all examples. Telehealth providers should have the certifications and licenses in each state to provide medical services legally.
Like the federal government and other states, Florida has enacted several regulations to protect patients and physicians using telehealth and RPM. It is illegal in Florida to violate the laws governing professions and vocations outlined in Section 457.327 (The Florida Legislature, 2022). Non-physicians use telehealth to fulfill license requirements and work within their scope of practice. Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses are two non-physician examples. Medical records, including video, audio, electronic, and other data generated from these treatments, are confidential and cannot be made public (The Florida Legislature, 2022). Even if the patient received telemedicine services, they must be documented similarly to in-person services.
Recommendations on the Feasibility of Implementing Policies Consistent Between State and National Government
Several states in the United States should consider developing regulations allowing resident and advanced practice registered nurses to work in more than one state. The national government is responsible for ensuring that all of its citizens have access to essential healthcare services. The federal government should step in to unify policies so that most people can access medical care regardless of location. Policies should address the issues raised by remote patient monitoring and telehealth care services.
Summary
In conclusion, new regulations for nurses have been incorporated into telehealth systems, incorporating RPM. The Board of Nursing is responsible for developing and revising the rules. Ultimately, the governing legislation in certain states, including Florida, requires nurse practitioners to practice under the supervision of a physician. In contrast, certain jurisdictions’ rules allow nurse practitioners to work freely. Such policies should be harmonized to ensure that APRNs offer their services freely within the United States of America across all states.
References
Bouabida, K., Malas, K., Talbot, A., Desrosiers, M.-È., Lavoie, F., Lebouché, B., Taghizadeh, N., Normandin, L., Vialaron, C., Fortin, O., Lessard, D., & Pomey, M.-P. (2022). Healthcare professional perspectives on the use of remote patient-monitoring platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(4), 529.
The Florida Legislature. (2022). The 2022 Florida Statutes. Statutes & constitution :view statutes : Online sunshine.
Hamilton, T., Johnson, L., Quinn, B. T., Coppola, J., Sachs, D., Migliaccio, J., Phipps, C., Schwartz, J., Capasso, M., Carpenter, M., & Putrino, D. (2020). Telehealth intervention programs for seniors: An observational study of a community-embedded health monitoring initiative. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(4), 438–445.