MDCN Telemedicine Guidelines Nigeria 2026: Complete Compliance Guide

MDCN telemedicine guidelines for Nigerian doctors: licensing requirements, prescribing rules, documentation standards, patient consent. Complete compliance checklist included.

By Dr. Jethro Magaji

February 25, 2026

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15 MINS

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The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) released comprehensive telemedicine guidelines in 2020, updated in 2023, to regulate the growing practice of virtual healthcare in Nigeria. Whether you're a doctor considering telemedicine or already practicing virtually, understanding and complying with these guidelines is essential to avoid sanctions and provide quality care.

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ClinikEHR provides MDCN-compliant telemedicine with built-in consent forms, secure documentation, and all features needed for legal virtual practice in Nigeria.

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Quick Summary: MDCN Telemedicine Requirements

Key Requirements:

✅ Valid MDCN practicing license
✅ Telemedicine practice registration with MDCN
✅ Informed patient consent (documented)
✅ Proper medical records (electronic or physical)
✅ Secure communication platforms (HIPAA-equivalent)
✅ Clear limitations disclosure
✅ Emergency protocols in place
✅ Professional indemnity insurance

Prohibited:

❌ Prescribing controlled substances without physical examination
❌ Practicing without valid license
❌ Inadequate patient identification
❌ Unsecured communication channels
❌ No informed consent

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

License suspension (3-12 months)
Fines (₦100,000-₦500,000)
Permanent license revocation (severe cases)
Criminal prosecution (fraud cases)

What Are the MDCN Telemedicine Guidelines?

Background

The MDCN issued telemedicine guidelines to:

Regulate virtual healthcare delivery
Protect patient safety
Maintain professional standards
Enable legitimate telemedicine practice
Prevent abuse and fraud

Legal Framework

Primary Documents:

MDCN Telemedicine Guidelines (2020, updated 2023)
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Cap M8 LFN 2004)
National Health Act (2014)
Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (2019)

Scope of Application

Applies to:

All medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria
Nigerian doctors practicing telemedicine abroad
Foreign doctors providing telemedicine to Nigerian patients
All forms of virtual healthcare (video, phone, messaging)

Covers:

Consultations
Diagnosis
Treatment recommendations
Prescriptions
Follow-up care
Second opinions

Licensing and Registration Requirements

1. MDCN Practicing License

Requirement: Current, valid MDCN practicing license

How to Obtain:

Apply through MDCN portal
Submit required documents
Pay annual practicing fee (₦50,000-₦100,000)
Renew annually before expiration

Verification: Patients can verify your license at mdcn.gov.ng

2. Telemedicine Practice Registration

Requirement: Register your telemedicine practice with MDCN

Process:

Complete telemedicine registration form
Provide practice details (location, platform, services)
Submit proof of professional indemnity insurance
Pay registration fee (₦25,000-₦50,000)
Receive telemedicine practice certificate

Timeline: 2-4 weeks processing

Renewal: Annual renewal required

3. Practice Location

Physical Presence Required:

Must have registered practice address in Nigeria
Can be home office (if properly registered)
Must be accessible for inspections
Must maintain medical records at this location

Multiple Locations:

Register each practice location
Maintain records at each location
Comply with state health ministry requirements

4. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Requirement: Valid professional indemnity insurance covering telemedicine

Coverage Needed:

Minimum ₦5 million coverage
Specific telemedicine coverage clause
Valid for full year
Covers all practice locations

Providers:

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) group insurance
Private insurance companies
International providers (with Nigerian coverage)

Patient Consent Requirements

Informed Consent Elements

Must Include:

Nature of Telemedicine:
- Explanation of virtual consultation
- Differences from in-person care
- Technology requirements
Limitations:
- Cannot perform physical examination
- May require in-person follow-up
- Emergency situations require immediate care
Privacy and Security:
- How data will be protected
- Who has access to information
- Data storage and retention
Risks:
- Technology failures
- Misdiagnosis risk
- Communication limitations
Alternatives:
- In-person consultation available
- Other healthcare options
Costs:
- Consultation fees
- Payment methods
- Insurance coverage (if applicable)

Consent Documentation

Format:

Written consent (electronic signature acceptable)
Verbal consent (documented in medical record)
Recorded consent (for phone consultations)

Storage:

Keep with patient medical records
Minimum 6-year retention
Secure storage (encrypted if electronic)

Sample Consent Form:

TELEMEDICINE CONSULTATION CONSENT FORM

I, [Patient Name], hereby consent to receive medical consultation via telemedicine from Dr. [Doctor Name].

I understand that:
1. This is a virtual consultation using [video/phone/messaging]
2. The doctor cannot perform physical examination
3. I may need in-person follow-up
4. Technology failures may occur
5. My information will be kept confidential and secure
6. I can request in-person consultation at any time
7. In emergencies, I should seek immediate in-person care

I have had the opportunity to ask questions and they have been answered satisfactorily.

Patient Signature: _________________ Date: _________
Doctor Signature: _________________ Date: _________

Medical Records and Documentation

Required Documentation

For Each Consultation:

Patient Identification:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Contact information
- Location during consultation
- Emergency contact
Consultation Details:
- Date and time
- Duration
- Mode of communication (video/phone/messaging)
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Relevant medical history
Clinical Assessment:
- Symptoms reported
- Visual observations (if video)
- Differential diagnosis
- Working diagnosis
- Limitations noted
Treatment Plan:
- Recommendations
- Prescriptions (if any)
- Follow-up instructions
- Red flags to watch for
- When to seek in-person care
Consent:
- Documented informed consent
- Patient understanding confirmed

Record Keeping Standards

Format:

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) preferred
Paper records acceptable (properly filed)
Hybrid system allowed

Security:

Password-protected (electronic)
Encrypted storage
Secure physical storage (paper)
Access controls
Backup systems

Retention:

Minimum 6 years (MDCN requirement)
Longer for minors (until age 21 + 6 years)
Permanent for certain conditions

Recommended EMR: ClinikEHR provides MDCN-compliant telemedicine documentation with built-in consent forms, secure storage, and easy retrieval.

Prescribing Regulations

General Prescribing Rules

Allowed:

Prescription medications for diagnosed conditions
Refills for chronic conditions (with established relationship)
Over-the-counter medication recommendations
Supplements and vitamins

Prohibited:

Controlled substances (Schedule 1-3) without physical examination
Prescriptions without proper patient identification
Prescriptions without adequate medical history
Prescriptions for family members (conflict of interest)

Controlled Substances

Strict Rules:

Physical examination required before first prescription
Established doctor-patient relationship needed
Regular in-person follow-ups required
Detailed documentation mandatory
State-specific regulations apply

Examples:

Opioids (tramadol, codeine)
Benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam)
Stimulants (methylphenidate)
Certain sleep medications

Prescription Requirements

Must Include:

Patient full name and address
Date of prescription
Drug name (generic and brand)
Dosage and strength
Quantity
Directions for use
Number of refills (if any)
Doctor's name, signature, and MDCN number
Practice address and contact

Electronic Prescriptions:

Acceptable if properly secured
Digital signature required
Sent directly to pharmacy
Copy in patient record

Technology and Security Requirements

Platform Requirements

Minimum Standards:

HIPAA-equivalent security
End-to-end encryption
Secure data storage
Access controls
Audit trails

Acceptable Platforms:

ClinikEHR (built-in telemedicine)
Zoom Healthcare
Doxy.me
Microsoft Teams (healthcare version)
Other HIPAA-compliant platforms

Unacceptable:

Regular WhatsApp (not encrypted enough)
Regular Zoom (not healthcare version)
Facebook Messenger
Regular phone calls (for sensitive information)
Unsecured email

Data Protection

Requirements:

Encryption in transit (SSL/TLS)
Encryption at rest
Secure authentication
Regular security updates
Backup systems
Disaster recovery plan

Patient Data:

Stored in Nigeria (preferred) or secure international servers
Compliant with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation
Access limited to authorized personnel
Regular security audits

Technology Failures

Backup Plans:

Alternative communication method
Rescheduling protocol
Emergency contact information
Technical support availability

Documentation:

Document technology failures
Note impact on consultation
Record alternative actions taken

Standard of Care

Same Standard as In-Person

MDCN Requirement: Telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as in-person consultations.

This Means:

Thorough history taking
Appropriate examination (within limitations)
Accurate diagnosis
Evidence-based treatment
Proper follow-up
Clear documentation

Limitations Acknowledgment

Must Recognize:

Cannot perform physical examination
Limited sensory information (no touch, smell)
Technology limitations
Patient environment factors

Must Communicate:

What can and cannot be assessed
When in-person care is needed
Risks of virtual assessment
Alternative options

When to Refer for In-Person Care

Mandatory Referral:

Emergency situations
Conditions requiring physical examination
Diagnostic uncertainty
Patient request
Inadequate technology
Inability to establish diagnosis

Examples:

Acute abdominal pain
Chest pain
Severe headache
Trauma
Pediatric emergencies
Mental health crises

Emergency Protocols

Emergency Identification

Red Flags:

Chest pain or pressure
Difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding
Loss of consciousness
Severe pain
Suicidal ideation
Stroke symptoms

Emergency Response

Immediate Actions:

Assess severity
Advise immediate in-person care
Call emergency services if needed
Stay on line until help arrives
Contact emergency contact
Document everything

Emergency Contacts:

Patient's emergency contact
Local emergency services (ambulance)
Nearest hospital emergency department
Patient's primary care physician

Documentation

Must Document:

Emergency identified
Advice given
Actions taken
Emergency services contacted
Outcome
Follow-up plan

Compliance Checklist

Before Starting Telemedicine

[ ] Obtain valid MDCN practicing license
[ ] Register telemedicine practice with MDCN
[ ] Secure professional indemnity insurance (telemedicine coverage)
[ ] Set up secure telemedicine platform
[ ] Create consent forms
[ ] Establish EMR system
[ ] Develop emergency protocols
[ ] Train staff (if applicable)
[ ] Create patient information materials
[ ] Set up secure payment system

For Each Consultation

[ ] Verify patient identity
[ ] Obtain informed consent
[ ] Document patient location
[ ] Record emergency contact
[ ] Conduct thorough history
[ ] Perform appropriate assessment
[ ] Document limitations
[ ] Provide clear treatment plan
[ ] Give follow-up instructions
[ ] Document everything
[ ] Provide prescription (if needed)
[ ] Schedule follow-up

Ongoing Compliance

[ ] Renew MDCN license annually
[ ] Renew telemedicine registration annually
[ ] Maintain professional indemnity insurance
[ ] Keep EMR system updated and secure
[ ] Conduct regular security audits
[ ] Update consent forms as needed
[ ] Stay current with MDCN guidelines
[ ] Maintain continuing medical education
[ ] Review and update protocols
[ ] Respond to MDCN inquiries promptly

Common Violations and Penalties

Common Violations

1. Practicing Without Registration

Penalty: License suspension (3-6 months) + ₦100,000-₦200,000 fine

2. Inadequate Consent

Penalty: Warning (first offense), suspension (repeat)

3. Poor Documentation

Penalty: Warning + mandatory training

4. Prescribing Controlled Substances Improperly

Penalty: License suspension (6-12 months) + ₦200,000-₦500,000 fine

5. Using Unsecured Platforms

Penalty: Warning + mandatory compliance within 30 days

6. No Professional Indemnity Insurance

Penalty: License suspension until obtained

How to Avoid Violations

Best Practices:

Stay informed of guideline updates
Use compliant platforms (like ClinikEHR)
Document everything thoroughly
Obtain proper consent always
Maintain valid licenses and insurance
Seek legal advice when uncertain
Join professional associations (NMA)
Attend compliance training

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special permission from MDCN to practice telemedicine?

Yes, you need to register your telemedicine practice with MDCN in addition to your regular practicing license. This requires submitting a telemedicine registration form, proof of insurance, and paying the registration fee (₦25,000-₦50,000). Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

Can I prescribe medications through telemedicine?

Yes, you can prescribe most medications through telemedicine, but controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) require a physical examination first. All prescriptions must meet standard requirements including patient identification, proper documentation, and your MDCN number.

Is WhatsApp acceptable for telemedicine consultations?

Regular WhatsApp is not recommended for full consultations due to security concerns, though it may be acceptable for appointment scheduling and general communication. Use HIPAA-compliant platforms like ClinikEHR, Zoom Healthcare, or Doxy.me for actual consultations.

What if a patient has an emergency during a telemedicine consultation?

Immediately advise the patient to seek in-person emergency care, call emergency services if needed, stay on the line until help arrives, contact their emergency contact, and document everything thoroughly. Have emergency protocols in place before starting telemedicine.

Can I practice telemedicine from outside Nigeria?

Yes, Nigerian doctors can practice telemedicine from abroad, but you must maintain a registered practice address in Nigeria, keep your MDCN license current, comply with all MDCN guidelines, and ensure your platform is secure and compliant.

How long must I keep telemedicine consultation records?

MDCN requires minimum 6-year retention for adult patient records. For minors, keep records until they turn 21 plus 6 additional years. Some conditions may require permanent record keeping. Store records securely with proper backup systems.

What insurance do I need for telemedicine practice?

You need professional indemnity insurance with specific telemedicine coverage, minimum ₦5 million coverage, valid for the full year. This can be obtained through NMA group insurance, private insurance companies, or international providers with Nigerian coverage.

Can I treat patients in other states through telemedicine?

Yes, you can treat patients anywhere in Nigeria through telemedicine with a valid MDCN license. However, be aware of state-specific regulations and ensure you're registered in your primary practice state. Some states may have additional requirements.

Conclusion

MDCN telemedicine guidelines provide a clear framework for safe, legal virtual healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Compliance protects both you and your patients while enabling you to expand your practice reach and income.

Key Compliance Steps:

Register your telemedicine practice with MDCN
Obtain proper professional indemnity insurance
Use secure, compliant platforms (like ClinikEHR)
Document informed consent for every consultation
Maintain thorough medical records
Follow prescribing regulations carefully
Have emergency protocols in place
Stay updated on guideline changes

Benefits of Compliance:

Legal protection
Patient safety
Professional credibility
Practice growth
Peace of mind

Ready to start compliant telemedicine practice? ClinikEHR provides MDCN-compliant telemedicine with built-in consent forms, secure documentation, and all features needed for legal virtual practice in Nigeria.

Download Free MDCN Compliance Checklist →

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