FL S0070

Defines "telemedicine services" as synchronous video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, asynchronous health images, or other telecommunications technology for diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and medical data transfer, excluding audio-only calls, emails, and faxes.

Prohibits health insurance policies and Medicaid (effective January 1, 2015) from requiring face-to-face contact as a prerequisite for coverage or reimbursement of services appropriately provided through telemedicine, treating telemedicine and in-person services as equivalent for coverage purposes.

Allows health care practitioners to use telemedicine technology within their scope of practice or under supervision of another licensed practitioner without being interpreted as practicing medicine without a license, provided they have adequate training and education in the technology and procedures.

Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules necessary to administer telemedicine services and mandates repeal of any existing rules that prohibit telemedicine use in Florida.

Requires an interagency study by the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families and Agency for Health Care Administration, on telemedicine implementation for stroke diagnosis, high-risk pregnancies, premature births, mental health services, and emergency services, with findings due to the Legislature by July 1, 2015.