Governor DeSantis extended Florida's original COVID-19 state of emergency declaration for 60 days (until April 27 2021). His previous Executive Order #2020-316 expired Saturday. Executive Order #2021-45 extends Executive Order 20-52 Re: COVID-19 from last March which served as the basis for much of the emergency action taken by Governor DeSantis and his state agencies to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The order encompasses several policy areas, including health care and business regulation. The extension of the executive order addresses the following important issues for family physicians:
Controlled substances: Family Physicians, APRN's, and PA's who are registered with the DEA as controlled substance prescriber's can issue prescription renewals, via telemedicine without a physical examination, ONLY for an existing patient for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain. Telehealth services may only be substituted for the physical examination.
Medical Marijuana: Virtual re-certification is also allowed for existing patients who have been diagnosed with a qualified condition by physicians qualified by the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
The executive order also addresses the ability for healthcare professionals, advanced life support professionals, and basic life support professionals, holding a valid license in another state, territory or district to provide these services in Florida during the COVID-19 crisis, yet must be conducted within their scope of practice. The FAFP will keep the membership updated on these and other orders as they are released, yet a comprehensive overview of all state policies and resources can be found on the FL DOH website. Any questions, please email jmillson@fafp.org.
