Telemedicine is changing how America accesses care, and a basic doctor’s office visit can be done via touch screen across multiple states. However, there are many legal barriers that are limiting the possibilities of telemedicine.
Steven Okoye, a New York-based corporate and healthcare attorney is making an impact nationally in this area.
As the Deputy General Counsel for EHE Health (a company that offers preventive care services to thousands of employees across the country), Steven oversees the contracting, licensing, data privacy, and compliance strategies that support the rapid expansion of digital health services.
“Technology is expanding at a rate much greater than the laws regulating it,” Steven Okoye said recently in an interview. “Everyone wants to continue to innovate, but no one wants to run the risk of violating outdated regulations.” His role involves streamlining complex regulation so it becomes a system that protects patients as well as allows companies to scale.
From Biotech Foundations to Legal Leadership
Before stepping into law, Steven Okoye spent years working in biotechnology at Merck and Company in Pennsylvania. That scientific foundation shaped the practical and precise approach he brings to healthcare regulation today.
He began Rutgers Law School in 2014 after completing a competitive summer program. His wife started her medical residency in New York City at the same time, and he balanced coursework, family responsibilities, and his biotech job. At Rutgers he developed a strong interest in emerging technology and patient protections. He served as managing technology editor of the Journal of Law and Public Policy and mentored peers through the Minority Student Program.
After graduating in 2017, he transitioned into healthcare regulatory work. He joined EHE Health and progressed to Deputy General Counsel by helping modernize national legal operations and digital compliance infrastructure.
Transforming Telemedicine Compliance
Telehealth grew rapidly during the pandemic, and this rapid growth of patient interest in telehealth is continuing. The number of telemedicine visits today make up almost 40% of all medical visits in the U.S., however, the laws regarding digital medicine are still variable from state to state. A physician who is licensed in the State of New York may not be able to provide automatic treatment for a patient residing in the State of Illinois due to these differences in law, which can impede innovation before it even starts.
“Digital health companies with the best software in the world will not be able to grow if they fail to properly manage their licensing,” states Steven Okoye.
Okoye took the lead role in updating the contracting and credentialing processes at EHE Health to ensure that the digital care providers could deliver telemedicine in accordance with applicable law anywhere a patient would like to receive services. As a result of his efforts, compliance risk was greatly decreased, and telemedicine rollouts were significantly accelerated; providing more preventative care to remote workers.
Okoye’s influence does not stop at EHE Health, as he also participates in thought leadership in the healthcare technology space through numerous forums where he stresses that trust should be the guiding factor for the adoption of digital health technologies. In order to build trust, Okoye suggests stronger encryption of patient data, clearer patient consent processes, and more frequent audits of the systems used by digital care providers. Implementing these security measures will help reduce vulnerabilities and increase confidence in telemedicine systems.
Modern Compliance for a Digital Future
Healthcare compliance reaches beyond licensing and virtual care. Steven Okoye has implemented oversight programs aligned with major federal and state regulations including the Affordable Care Act and Stark Law. These frameworks have led to fewer audit findings and have reinforced ethical operations throughout the organization.
His leadership philosophy is simple. “Leadership is not about having the answer. It is about creating structures where others can find them.” This is reflected in his mentorship of junior attorneys and his support for diverse legal teams. His own path as a first generation lawyer continues to influence how he creates opportunities for others.
As healthcare shifts toward artificial intelligence, wearable diagnostics, and more personalized data driven care, new legal challenges are emerging. These include cybersecurity threats, data ownership, and fairness in algorithmic decision making. Despite these complexities, he remains optimistic about the future of digital medicine.
“The goal is not to make virtual care harder,” he says. “It is to make it safer.” He believes strong rules and trusted systems will unlock better access to care for everyone.
Organizations that need guidance on healthcare compliance or digital transformation can learn more or connect directly.
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