title: WOC practice in cyberspace: legal and ethical issues.
abstract: WOC nurses have the opportunity to extend their practice geographically by using electronic media, also called telehealth or "practicing in cyberspace." Currently, laws and regulations affecting this aspect of practice are in rapid flux. In addition, practicing electronically makes the ethical issues of choice, privacy, and confidentiality more acute. This article describes the current status of relevant legislation, discusses relevant ethical issues, and provides guidelines for WOC nurses who are considering the use of e-mail and video conferencing within their practice.
authors.affiliation: Fairview Health System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoyman
mesh_terms: D016494:Computer Security / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008008:Licensure, Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D010030:Ostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000451:nursing*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*