Telehealth has emerged as a rapidly expanding method for delivering healthcare services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach has opened new avenues for accessing medical care and contributed to reducing healthcare costs. However, the growth of telehealth has introduced significant legal and ethical challenges that warrant thorough investigation. This review study employed keywords such as "telemedicine," "telehealth," "ethical challenges," "legal challenges," and "healthcare system" to search scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Articles published in English and Persian between 2010 and 2024 were reviewed. Eligible sources included research articles, systematic reviews, and case reports focusing on legal and ethical issues related to telehealth. Following an initial screening, articles were assessed based on quality and scientific credibility, and the selected works were analyzed for the final synthesis. Telehealth presents several critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure safe and equitable care delivery. One of the foremost concerns is patient privacy and data protection; the exchange of sensitive health information necessitates robust security protocols and adherence to data protection regulations to uphold patient confidentiality and trust. Another key issue is informed consent, which must be adapted to the virtual context to ensure patients are adequately informed of both the benefits and potential risks associated with telehealth services. While telehealth enhances healthcare accessibility, it may also deepen existing health disparities due to unequal access to digital technologies. Therefore, investments in communication infrastructure and digital literacy are essential to promote inclusivity and equal access to care. Although telehealth offers substantial benefits—including improved access, convenience, and enhanced coordination of care—its legal and ethical implications must not be overlooked. To fully realize its potential, stakeholders must collaborate in developing comprehensive regulations and ethical frameworks. Addressing these challenges is imperative to advancing telehealth in a manner that ensures patient safety, protects rights, and promotes health equity.
