FL S0280

Establishes Florida Statutes Section 456.4501 to govern telehealth services provided by licensed health care practitioners using synchronous and asynchronous information and telecommunications technologies.

Sets standard of care for telehealth providers equal to in-person care standards; telehealth providers conducting sufficient patient evaluations are not required to research medical history or conduct physical examinations before providing services.

Prohibits nonphysician telehealth providers acting within their scope of practice from being deemed to be practicing medicine without a license.

Authorizes telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances except for chronic nonmalignant pain treatment or medical marijuana certifications; permits physicians to use telehealth to order controlled substances for inpatients and hospice patients.

Requires telehealth providers to document services in patient medical records using the same standards as in-person care and requires the Department of Health to develop educational materials for licensees by January 1, 2019; takes effect July 1, 2018.