US Agencies Publish Guidance To Ensure Telehealth Access Equality

The US Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice have published guidance on protections in federal laws to help Americans with disabilities or limited English proficiency to access telehealth. The guidance coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.

Telehealth Sign Language
• Source: Shutterstock

As the use of telehealth has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and proven to be an important complement to traditional health care visits, guidance published by two US agencies affirms federal law requires that the technology be accessible to all, including the disabled and those with limited English proficiency.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) published their collaborative “Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth: Federal Protections to Ensure Accessibility to People...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Diversity & Inclusion

Health Literacy Issues Cost Major Economies $303B Per Year, Recent Study Shows

 
• By 

By addressing disparities in health literacy, particularly in the areas of oral care, bone health, nutrition and air pollution, the consumer health industry can “save lives and billions in healthcare costs, boosting productivity and increasing GDP,” says a new report from Haleon and Economist Impact.

Inclusive By Design: UK Invites Sponsors To Submit Trial Diversity Plans

 
• By 

The UK has issued clearer guidance to help drug and medical device sponsors demonstrate how they intend to include a diverse and relevant range of participants in their clinical trials.

Disparities — Including Financial Shortcomings — Remain In Women’s Health, Execs Say

 

FemTech leaders discussed some of the barriers that remain in unlocking the full potential of the women’s health market during SiS New York last week. They also offered solutions.

FDA Scrubs ‘Gender’ From Final Guidance On Sex-Specific Data But Encourages More Women In Clinical Trials

 

The US FDA has published its final document to guide sponsors on using sex-specific data in designing clinical trials of medical devices. However, the guidance removes all references to gender that appeared in January’s draft guidance, released before the Trump administration took office.

More from ESG