October 18, 2023

Federal Telemedicine Rx Extension Issued until December 31

Since March 31, 2023, CMS has extended the prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine, authorizing physicians to prescribe schedule II–V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters, provided that such prescriptions otherwise comply with the requirements outlined in DEA guidance documents, DEA regulations, and applicable Federal and State law. This includes schedule III–V narcotic controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance and withdrawal management treatment of opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine encounters.   A second temporary rule has been issued that further extends such exceptions to existing DEA regulations for new practitioner-patient relationships through December 31, 2024. Any and all new information regarding this issue will be shared when available. 

Remember, Florida law (F.S. 456.47) permanently allows for prescribing schedule III-V drugs via telehealth in Florida, but prohibits prescribing Schedule II controlled substances unless an exception is met:

1. The treatment of a psychiatric disorder

2. Inpatient treatment at a hospital licensed under chapter 20 395

3. The treatment of a patient receiving hospice services as defined in s. 400.601

4. The treatment of a resident of a nursing home facility as defined in s. 400.021

Don't Delay! Register Now to Save Before Early Bird Ends

The early bird discount will end on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Don't delay and register now for the 2023 Family Medicine Winter Summit, scheduled for December 8-10, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The meeting will be held as a hybrid event, combining a traditional in-person meeting with a virtual platform via live streaming.

Both options include:

• Two-and-a-half days of education
• CME Credits allowing you to earn up to:
• 18.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• New! 18.0 AOA Category 1-A Credits (for Osteopathic physicians)
• 18.0 Live AAFP Prescribed credits
• Recordings of ALL educational sessions, available within 2 weeks after the conference; will be available for 30 days for registered attendees only.

Early bird discounted registration rates end on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.

Important Hotel Information:



The FAFP room block at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has reached capacity for the 2023 Family Medicine Winter Summit. Click here to add your name to the waiting list.

Alternative Accommodations:

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• Omni Amelia Island Resort - 1.8 miles from The Ritz-Carlton 904-261-6161
• Residence Inn Amelia Island - 3.6 miles from The Ritz-Carlton 904-277-2440
• SpringHill Suites Amelia Island - 5.5 miles from The Ritz-Carlton 904-491-1221

If you are interested in alternative accommodations, the listed hotels are recommended, but there is no official FAFP room block at these properties. Call to book or click the hotel names to book online.

2023 FAFP Officer and Board Slate

In accordance with Chapters IV and X of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) Bylaws, nominations for the 2023 FAFP Officers and Board were solicited electronically multiple times via FAFP News beginning on June 14, 2023. Subsequently, the FAFP Nominating Committee reviewed the nominations and developed, with FAFP Board of Directors approval, the following 2023 Officer and Board Slate for membership review no later than sixty (60) days prior to the annual business meeting being held on December 10, 2022.  

Per Chapter IV, Section 4 of the FAFP Bylaws, write-in candidates must notify the FAFP Board Chair by emailing Jay Millson (jmillson@fafp.org) of his or her intent to run no later than October 18. Eligible write-in candidates have seven (7) days, from October 18-24, to obtain signatures (via the FAFP Write-in Candidate Form) from at least 20 Active FAFP members, in good standing, in order for the nomination to be validated and have their name included on the final ballot.    

The final ballot will be sent out to the membership no later than October 25, 2023 (45 days prior to the FAFP Annual Business Meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 9 during the 2023 FAFP Family Medicine Winter Summit). Further instructions will be provided at this time along with the link to vote.

Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME)

Last week in Tallahassee, FAFP Past President and Interim Dean of the FSU College of Medicine, Dr. Alma Littles (center), joined Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Núñez, FMA CEO Chris Clark, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and others to highlight awards for physicians and other healthcare professionals who applied for medical loan repayment under the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program.  Over the course of the last two legislative sessions in Tallahassee, the FAFP has heavily supported the effort that successfully obtained a state appropriation of $16 million, both this year and next, that will provide up to $20,000 in physician loan repayment per cycle. While over 600 awards and nearly $13 million in loan repayments were provided to physicians, the FAFP is also aware of the fact that many of our members applied for but did not receive funding. Please rest assured that the FAFP is continuing to work with state officials to ensure the distribution of awards, both current and future, is fair and equitable, and that more funds are appropriated in the future. 

Submit Your Favorite Holiday Songs Today!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Submit your favorite holiday songs for the 2023 FAFP Hybrid Winter Summit Festive Spotify Playlist today. Click Here Click Here

Additional Resources

AAFP CME: Updates to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Pneumococcal Recommendations

50 Things You Should Know about FASD During FASD50

‘Tis the Season: A Guide to Vaccinating Before the Holidays