FL H0831

Expands the definition of "telehealth" by removing the exclusion of audio-only telephone calls, while maintaining the exclusion of email messages and facsimile transmissions (amends s. 456.47, F.S.)

Authorizes telehealth providers to renew controlled substance prescriptions for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain for existing patients, with telehealth substituting only for the physical examination while all other practice standards still apply

Allows qualified physicians to use telehealth to issue medical marijuana physician certifications to existing qualified patients, provided the physician previously conducted an in-person physical examination of that patient

Requires health insurers and health maintenance organizations, for policies delivered or issued on or after January 1, 2022, to cover and reimburse telehealth services on the same basis as in-person encounters, prohibiting higher deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for telehealth; insurers are not required to reimburse originating site fees

Permits health insurers and HMOs to limit telehealth services to in-network providers and to conduct utilization reviews for telehealth in the same manner as for in-person services; extends these requirements to small employer health benefit plans