This book addresses some of the legal, ethical and policy issues that could potentially hold back the progress of telemedicine into the mainstream of medical practice.  Currently the creation of appropriate standards, best practices and legal framework has not caught up with the rapid developments which are being made in telemedical technology and systems.  Issues such as consent and confidentiality, data protection, access to records, medico-legal risks and the practice of telemedicine across state and regional boundaries are examined.  It is vital for clinicians, managers and lawyers to come to grips with these aspects of telemedicine and the book provides a reference source for the various legal and clinical problems which may be encountered.