Regulating Remote Services in Other Industries Using ICT for providing services at a distance is not unique to medicine and many other professions such as financial, legal, or engineering services have benefitted from the ICT development. In this section we review associate guidance and policies by relevant regulatory bodies and professional associations. More specifically, we have reviewed the following professions: engineering, surveying, and legal advice. We base on findings on desk research, a review of relevant professional guidance and interviews with representatives of professional regulatory bodies. Engineering The UK’s Engineering Council is the main regulatory body for the engineering profession. We reviewed the Engineering Council’s Standards that define registration process and competence requirements and Guidance that deal with ethics, risk, security, and sustainability. We also held short conversations with the Engineering Council and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (one of 35 professional bodies for engineers). Examples of remote services range from basic remote IT support, to equipment monitoring and maintenance services using ICT, and complex technical work involving devices (measurement tools, manipulators, robots, etc.) controlled by an engineer in another location. Remote engineering might be a preferred option where there are additional health and safety risks, e.g. nuclear power sites, or for sites that might be difficult to reach, e.g. underwater works. There seems to be no recognised definition of remote engineering services. An internet search suggests that remote services happen when the engineer located in one place uses ICT to work on a technical assignment or system located elsewhere (with or without support of engineers at the remote site). As with any other engineering problem, a remote engineering service would involve some degree of thinking and searching for a solution, and in this respect, it would resemble telemedicine. It also seems that there is no special guidance for providing remote engineering services — all rules and recommendations apply to remote services as if they were provided on site. Surveying The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the regulatory professional body for UK-based surveyors. A simple internet search indicates that companies providing remote services tend to use ICT and remotely controlled devices to survey a building or a plot of land. For example, a client might send photos of the building to the surveyor who would analyse the quality of construction work and materials used and provide recommendations on the property value or potential repairs. Another example of remote services would be the use of video-drones to examine a high building without installing scaffolding or using
Summaries of Key Findings In this section we replicate the summary tables from the main body of the report but provide direct links to the relevant sections of Appendix 2 — core countries where more details can be found. We also note that some of the findings come from interviews which are not transcribed here. As such, not all information included in the summary tables could be directly referenced here. Definition of telemedicine Table 11.1: Definition of telemedicine — summary Jurisdiction ICT Distance For diagnostics For treatment Appendix 2 section reference Australia 1.2.1 1.7.1 Denmark 3.2.1 France 4.2.1 4.3.1 New Zealand 5.1.1 Portugal 6.2.1 6.3.1 Singapore 7.2.1 Alberta 2.3.1 British Columbia 2.4.1 Newfoundland and Labrador 2.5.1 Ontario 2.6.1 Saskatchewan 2.7.1 California 9.10.1 Maine 9.4.1 North Carolina 9.5.1 Oklahoma 9.11.1 Oregon 9.6.1 Washington 9.7.1 Total 17 15 16 10 15 10 Source: Europe Economics Licensing requirements Table 11.2: Licensing requirements — summary Jurisdiction Telemedicine only license Local license Appendix 2 section reference Australia 1.2.3 Denmark 3.2.3 France 4.2.3 New Zealand encouraged 5.1.4 Portugal 6.2.3 6.3.3 Singapore Alberta 2.3.4 British Columbia 2.4.4
South Sudan South Sudan General Medical Council The Council registers and regulates medical doctors, dentists and pharmacists as well as healthcare organisations especially hospitals and clinics. Definition of telemedicine Telemedicine is defined as the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions from a distance using modern telecommunication techniques. Frameworks for telemedicine regulation There are no formal regulations regarding telemedicine. The Council cooperates with the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, by attending conferences and exchanging ideas with all member countries on the African continent Regulation of individual doctors who provide telemedicine services [no regulation in Cross-jurisdiction issues in telemedicine [no regulation in