Telehealth and Telenursing Are Live: APN Policy and Practice Implications
Abstract
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are currently leaders in telenursing practice, and should be aware of important policy issues to further advance the use of telehealth by APNs. Key issues such as technology selection and implementation principles, interstate licensure, malpractice, and telehealth reimbursement are important to further advancing telenursing. In addition, evidence-based strategies for demonstrating caring using technology in patient interactions are key for advancing the use of telenursing in APN practice. Finally, APNs should be aware of how telenursing can impact the nursing shortage in the United States, providing access to care irrespective of geographic location of provider and patients.
This continuing education activity is designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses and nurse practitioners and thus increase the quality of their care.
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors, reviewers, and editors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest. The authors do not present any off-label or non-FDA-approved recommendations for treatment. There is no implied endorsement by NPA, MNA, or ANCC of any commercial products mentioned in the article.
1Loretta Schlachta-Fairchild, RN, PhD, FACHE, LTC(ret), AN, is president and CEO of iTelehealth Inc. in Frederick, MD, and the chair of the International Council of Nurses Telenursing Network Advisory Board
2Shainy B. Varghese, PhD, RN, CPNP, is an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Houston's Victoria-Sugar Land Campus.
3Andrea Deickman, RN, MSN, is senior associate at iTelehealth Inc.
4Diane Castelli, RN, MS, MSN, is director of training for AMD Global Telemedicine Inc, in North Chelmsford, MA.
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