Telehealth Reform Is Needed for
Consumer Protection continued from page 22
nancial penalties to ensure compliance with privacy regulations . The increasing prevalence of privacy violations in the digital health sector highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to regulatory oversight . Five proposed solutions :
1 . Mandate a Comprehensive Approach : Comprehensive regulation should require digital health companies to combine financial penalties with explicit , enforceable changes in how they handle sensitive user information . These changes should be designed to enhance data security , improve consumer trust , and foster a culture of accountability within the industry . This approach must also be tailored to the specific challenges posed by digital health platforms , particularly in mental health services like teletherapy . Regulators must ensure that companies are held accountable for broader systemic issues by requiring the adoption of uniform industry-wide standards for privacy protection and data security , according to articles in the International Journal of Medical Informatics and the International Medical Science Research Journal .
2 . Enforce Operational Improvements : Regulators must demand specific , measurable actions from teletherapy providers to enhance data security , build consumer trust , and ensure long-term compliance with privacy standards . Addressing the root causes of privacy violations might include mandating :
Comprehensive data protection policies that specify how user data is collected , stored , and shared .
Employee training programs focused on data security and consumer privacy .
Regular audits to assess compliance with privacy regulations and identify areas for improvement .
Implementation of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information from breaches and data theft .
• When operational improvements are mandated alongside financial penalties , companies are incentivized to address the structural weaknesses in their data handling , rather than simply pay fines as a cost of doing business .
3 . Require Proactive Transparency : Reporting regulatory actions and enforcement measures is essential to fostering consumer trust and ensuring that teletherapy companies take ownership of their privacy practices . Regulators should require teletherapy providers to disclose :
Detailed reports of settlement agreements and corrective actions taken in response to privacy violations .
Information about data protection protocols and compliance with privacy standards .
Regular updates on efforts to improve data handling practices and ensure long-term compliance .
• This kind of transparency allows consumers to make more informed decisions about which teletherapy platforms they can trust . It also helps to create a culture of accountability , where companies are motivated to maintain high standards of privacy protection , according to a 2021 article in the Florida State University Law Review .
4 . Reframe Compliance as a Regulatory Obligation : To motivate teletherapy providers to view compliance as a core responsibility , regulators must address the underlying causes of privacy violations and ensure that companies are consistently meeting evolving standards , according to Chapter 14 in the 2022 book “ Roadmap to Successful Digital Health Ecosystems .”
5 . Implement Long-Term Impact Assessments : Lastly , longterm impact assessments are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory measures and their ability to foster lasting change in the industry . These assessments should focus not only on immediate compliance but also on how regulatory actions influence the long-term behavior of teletherapy providers . Regulatory agencies must continually refine their strategies to ensure that privacy protections evolve alongside the challenges posed by new technologies and emerging risks .
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR TELETHERAPY
To create a safer , more trustworthy teletherapy landscape , regulators must adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond fines and mandatory operational improvements . This approach should include proactive transparency , consistent monitoring , and long-term impact assessments to ensure that regulatory interventions lead to lasting improvements in privacy protections and consumer trust . By framing compliance as a core responsibility and aligning regulations with the unique challenges posed by the digital health sector , regulators can better ensure that teletherapy platforms prioritize both accessibility and robust privacy protections .
Privacy violations in teletherapy are not isolated incidents , but part of a broader systemic issue that requires a comprehensive , adaptable , and proactive regulatory approach . Only by shifting the focus from reactive enforcement to sustainable , long-term solutions can we foster a digital health landscape that protects consumers while enabling continued innovation in teletherapy .
Click here for a list of references and resources that support the claims made in this article .
The Advocate Magazine 2025 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org 23