South Korea’s National Assembly approves telemedicine legislation after 15 years

South Korea’s National Assembly has approved an amendment to the Medical Service Act, creating the country’s first permanent legal framework for telemedicine. The move ends nearly six years of pilot programmes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and marks the first successful passage of such legislation since 2010.

The law, passed with bipartisan support in December, establishes rules for doctor-to-patient telemedicine and intermediary platforms, while aiming to improve patient safety, access, and quality of care. It was developed through consultations with medical professionals, patient groups, and other experts, and integrates twelve bills, including measures on electronic prescription transmission and drug utilisation review.

Under the new legislation, telemedicine will primarily supplement in-person care at clinic-level institutions, with certain exceptions for patients with rare diseases, type 1 diabetes, post-operative needs, or those in correctional facilities. Dedicated telemedicine-only facilities are prohibited, and prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances are restricted. The law also establishes rules for patient consent, legal responsibility, platform certification, and public telemedicine systems, including secure management of medical records and delivery of medications to remote or vulnerable populations.

The amendment will take effect one year after promulgation, with a phased rollout to allow healthcare providers and patients to adjust. Officials say the legislation is expected to strengthen primary care, particularly in underserved areas, while ensuring safe and convenient access to telemedicine across the country.