Regulating For-Profit Virtual Care in Canada: What Practitioners Need to Know

For-profit virtual medical care is expanding rapidly in Canada, driven by factors such as the pandemic, primary care provider shortages, digital literacy, and consumer interest. This growth brings several societal and practical challenges that require policy and regulatory reform. A recent research article titled "Regulating for-profit virtual care in Canada: Implications for medical profession regulators and policy-makers" provides a comprehensive analysis of these issues and offers recommendations for improvement.

Here are key takeaways from the research that can help practitioners enhance their skills and navigate the complexities of for-profit virtual care:

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

The research highlights significant variations in regulatory policies across Canadian provinces. Practitioners should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations in their province, especially regarding:

• Licensure and registration requirements
• Continuity of care provisions
• Privacy and data security standards

Continuity of Care

Continuity of care is crucial in virtual practice. Practitioners should ensure they have arrangements for local in-person follow-up care. Establishing a referral network with clinics and practitioners in the patient's region can help meet this requirement.

Privacy and Informed Consent

Privacy concerns are amplified in for-profit virtual care. Practitioners must obtain informed consent after explaining the risks and limitations of virtual encounters. Detailed policies from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) serve as a leading example in this category.

Equitable Access

Equitable access to care remains a significant concern. Practitioners should adopt an equity-oriented approach, understanding and addressing any barriers their patients may face in participating in virtual care.

Technological Competence

Technological competence is essential for providing safe and effective virtual care. Practitioners should ensure they meet the required competencies and are familiar with best practices, such as those outlined in the Canadian Medical Association's Virtual Care Playbook.

Recommendations for Practitioners

To navigate the evolving landscape of for-profit virtual care, practitioners should:

• Stay updated with provincial regulations and model standards from the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC).
• Develop a robust referral network for continuity of care.
• Ensure privacy and data security measures are in place.
• Adopt an equity-oriented approach to care.
• Maintain and enhance technological competencies.

By implementing these practices, practitioners can provide high-quality, equitable, and secure virtual care to their patients.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Regulating for-profit virtual care in Canada: Implications for medical profession regulators and policy-makers.