On Could 4, 2023, the Florida Legislature handed increasing the usage of telehealth for medical marijuana recertification. As soon as signed by Florida Governor, Ron Desantis, the brand new legislation will turn into efficient July 1, 2023.
The legislation doesn’t change the {that a} doctor should conduct an in-person, bodily examination of a affected person earlier than issuing an preliminary certification for the medical use of marijuana – which means physicians might not subject an preliminary certification for medical marijuana through a telemedicine examination. After that first in-person examination, nonetheless, the brand new legislation expressly permits the doctor to conduct renewal consultations with the sufferers remotely utilizing telehealth. Telehealth is outlined to incorporate each synchronous and asynchronous telecommunications know-how, as these phrases are outlined underneath part , Florida Statutes. These recertification exams are required at the least each 30 weeks (210 days).
Permitting sufferers and suppliers to make use of telehealth for medical marijuana recertifications was in Florida on a brief foundation underneath emergency guidelines put in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 387 makes that non permanent coverage everlasting, which expired in June 2020, and permits sufferers to as soon as once more renew their medical marijuana certification by visiting with their doctor through a telehealth appointment.
If a doctor violates the statutes governing medical marijuana, the brand new invoice authorizes the Division of Well being to droop the non-compliant doctor from the medical marijuana use registry for as much as two years. Notably, the doctor additionally will be suspended if they supply, promote, or market telehealth providers earlier than the brand new invoice’s efficient date of July 1, 2023.
It is usually essential to notice the brand new Florida legislation doesn’t immunize violations of federal legislation or any non-medical use, possession, or manufacturing of marijuana. We’ll proceed to observe modifications to Florida legal guidelines and laws on this subject.
Need to Be taught Extra?
Foley is right here that can assist you deal with the short- and long-term impacts within the wake of regulatory modifications. For extra data on telemedicine, telehealth, digital care, distant affected person monitoring, digital well being, and different well being improvements, together with the group, publications, and consultant expertise, go to Foley’s or our .