By Helen Hughes and Mark Sulkowski
As physicians who have dedicated our careers to clinical research and to the advancement of telemedicine respectively, we’ve witnessed first-hand the transformative power of technology in health care. However, despite our progress over the last four years, there remains a glaring barrier to the potential of telehealth in the United States: the complex, state-based system of health care licensure. This system significantly restricts patient access to specialized care, especially for those who could benefit from participating in clinical trials. It’s time for Congress to enact legislation allowing for federal reciprocity of medical licensure, a move that could revolutionize clinical research in this country.