Florida Proposed Amendment: Telemedicine Exams Not Allowed for Medical Marijuana Doctor Order
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On December 8, 2016, The Florida Board of Medicine issued a proposed amendment to its telemedicine regulations to clarify that physicians cannot order medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis through telemedicine. The regulation is in the preliminary stages and awaits further review
It’s been proposed that Florida residents seeking medical marijuana prescriptions will need to have an in-person examination first.
The Board originally issued the current telemedicine rules in the Spring of 2014. This amendment would add a new Section (5) to the Standards for Telemedicine Practice under 64B8-9.0141, F.A.C.
The regulation would state “(5) Medical cannabis, as defined by s. 381.986, F.S., may not be ordered by means of telemedicine” if the proposed amendment is finalized.
Florida law permits specified physicians to order low-THC cannabis or medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with certain conditions. The proposed telemedicine amendment comes from the overwhelming approval of Amendment 2 by Florida voter’s. The approval allowed for expanding access of medical marijuana in Florida.
Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.
The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.
Sources:
Lima, Debora. “Medical marijuana might be legal, but you won’t get a prescription this way.” South Florida Business Journal. (December 14, 2016). Web.
Ferrante, Thomas and Lacktman, Nathaniel. “Florida: No Telemedicine Exams for Medical Marijuana.” Lexology. (December 12, 2016).Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
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