South Korea formalizes telemedicine roles and emergency protocols

South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced a draft amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Medical Service Act to formalize the telemedicine system. The amendment, scheduled to take effect on December 24, 2026, outlines the specific roles of various agencies in managing the new framework.

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service will be tasked with receiving, investigating, and analyzing non-benefit medical treatment records. The National Health Insurance Service will be responsible for building and operating the telemedicine support system and the electronic prescription delivery system. Meanwhile, the Korea Health Information Service will handle the registration, certification, and evaluation of telemedicine intermediary platforms.

The decree also establishes protocols for relaxing telemedicine standards during emergencies, such as major disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, or instances where face-to-face medical services are significantly hindered due to collective medical strikes or closures. Additionally, the amendment introduces fines for failing to submit or providing false information regarding non-benefit treatment records or system operation data.