FL S1526

Creates section 456.47, F.S. to establish standards of practice for telehealth providers and define "telehealth" as synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications technology for health care services, excluding audio-only calls, emails, and faxes.

Allows telehealth providers to conduct patient evaluations and prescribe controlled substances only for psychiatric disorders, inpatient hospital treatment, hospice care, or nursing home residents.

Requires out-of-state health care professionals to register with the applicable board or Department of Health to provide telehealth services to Florida patients, including maintaining professional liability coverage and notifying regulators of any disciplinary actions within 5 business days.

Prohibits health insurers and health maintenance organizations from reimbursing telehealth providers at lower rates than in-person services for the same covered services effective January 1, 2020.

Appropriates $261,389 in recurring funds and $15,020 in nonrecurring funds from the Medical Quality Assurance Trust Fund, and authorizes four full-time equivalent positions to implement the telehealth provisions.