Australia’s rapidly expanding telehealth sector has a new set of guidelines aimed at bolstering safety, quality, and trust, but questions remain about their enforceability. The ‘National Telehealth Standards,’ developed by a consortium of telehealth companies and insurers, were launched earlier this month with the intention of providing a benchmark for virtual healthcare providers. However, the standards currently lack formal regulatory backing, leading some in the medical community to view them as aspirational rather than legally binding.
The push for standardized telehealth practices comes as virtual care becomes increasingly integrated into the Australian healthcare landscape, particularly benefiting those in regional, rural, and remote areas. While telehealth access has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised about inconsistencies in clinical governance and patient safety. The new standards seek to address these concerns by outlining expectations around areas like informed consent, data security, and continuity of care.
A Patient-Led Initiative
The Australian Telehealth Standards Consortium, convened by Patients Australia, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders – including Healthdirect, Medibank, HCF, Bupa, and several digital health providers like Eucalyptus and Healthengine – to develop the standards. According to Healthdirect CEO Bettina McMahon, the initiative stemmed from a recognition that the rapid growth of telehealth necessitated a clearer understanding of the different types of services available. “They made the observation that since covid, telehealth has really taken off. It’s used by many more patients. But there’s not really a lexicon around the different types of telehealth services that can be provided,” she told Health Services Daily.
Patients Australia CEO Lisa Robins emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in telehealth. “Telehealth has transformed access to care for millions of Australians, particularly those in regional, rural and remote communities,” she said. “But access alone is not enough. Patients need to know that telehealth is safe, high quality and accountable. These National Telehealth Standards provide a clear, patient-led benchmark that supports safe, high-quality telehealth care and helps build confidence as virtual care continues to expand.”
The Question of Enforcement
Despite the collaborative effort and the standards’ focus on patient safety, a key point of contention is the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism. As the RACGP reports, You’ll see currently no official accreditation or regulatory standards specifically aimed at telehealth-only operators in Australia. This has led to criticism that the standards are merely a set of voluntary guidelines.
Rob Hosking, Chair of the Practice Technology Expert Committee at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), acknowledged the positive intent behind the standards but cautioned against equating them with official regulations. He stated that while self-regulation is a positive step, simply labeling guidelines as “standards” does not automatically confer legitimacy. The RACGP’s own standards, he noted, undergo a rigorous approval process.
What the Standards Cover
The 34-page document outlines expectations in several key areas, including:
- Clinical Governance: Establishing clear lines of responsibility and accountability for patient care.
- Patient Safety: Implementing measures to minimize risks and ensure patient well-being.
- Informed Consent: Ensuring patients understand the nature of telehealth services and provide informed consent.
- Data Security: Protecting patient data and maintaining privacy.
- Accreditation: Supporting the development of self-assessed telehealth accreditation to help patients identify trustworthy providers, as Patients Australia outlines.
The consortium as well plans to work with governments and regulators to promote awareness and encourage the adoption of these standards. The launch of the standards took place at a parliamentary roundtable on March 3rd, 2026, bringing together Members of Parliament, patient advocates, clinicians, and industry leaders to discuss the future of virtual care.
Looking Ahead
The development of these ‘National Telehealth Standards’ represents a significant step towards establishing a framework for safe and high-quality virtual care in Australia. However, the long-term impact will depend on whether these standards can gain broader acceptance and, crucially, evolve into enforceable regulations. The conversation around telehealth regulation is ongoing, and the industry will be watching closely to see how governments and regulatory bodies respond to this patient-led initiative. The need for consistent clinical governance, as highlighted by companies like Eucalyptus last year, remains a central challenge for the continued growth and trustworthiness of telehealth in Australia.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or treatment.
