New Florida Laws Impacting Healthcare Providers

Polisnelli reports that Florida healthcare providers will be affected by new state laws ushered in at the latest legislative session. One bill expands regulation of telehealth providers and sets up standards of practice, a registration process and mandates for out-of-state providers, record-keeping requirements, and authorization to prescribe controlled substances in certain scenarios. Other legislation directs healthcare providers, before ordering anesthesia or prescribing a Schedule II opioid drug, to notify beneficiaries about available non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment, describe advantages and disadvantages of such alternatives, and supply an informational pamphlet from the Department of Health. Physician offices also must register with the Department of Health by Jan. 1, 2020, if they perform liposuction where more than 1,000 cc. of fat is removed, a Level II office surgery, or a Level III office surgery. Meanwhile, doctors who maintain or own an electronic health records system — or are employed by or contracted with a healthcare community or practice that supports such a system — must electronically transmit drug prescriptions by either the renewal of their license or by July 1, 2021, whichever comes first. Finally, two programs have been launched to import U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription drugs into Florida, contingent on federal clearance. One program offers savings and options for specific populations served by the state, and the other imposes eligibility criteria for drugs which may be imported and mandates for companies that export or import such drugs.