Rule 64B8-9.014, F.A.C.

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 64B8-9.014

FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ANNOTATED

TITLE 64. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

SUBTITLE 64B8. BOARD OF MEDICINE

CHAPTER 64B8-9. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR MEDICAL DOCTORS

Current through the January 14, 2005 issue of the Florida Administrative Weekly.

64B8-9.014. Standards for Telemedicine Prescribing Practice.

(1) Prescribing medications based solely on an electronic medical questionnaire constitutes the failure to practice medicine with that level of care, skill, and treatment which is recognized by reasonably prudent physicians as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances, as well as prescribing legend drugs other than in the course of a physician's professional practice.
(2) Physicians and physician assistants shall not provide treatment recommendations, including issuing a prescription, via electronic or other means, unless the following elements have been met:
(a) A documented patient evaluation, including history and physical examination to establish the diagnosis for which any legend drug is prescribed.
(b) Discussion between the physician or the physician assistant and the patient regarding treatment options and the risks and benefits of treatment.
(c) Maintenance of contemporaneous medical records meeting the requirements of Rule 64B8-9.003, F.A.C.
(3) The provisions of this rule are not applicable in an emergency situation. For purposes of this rule an emergency situation means those situations in which the prescribing physician or physician assistant determines that the immediate administration of the medication is necessary for the proper treatment of the patient, and that it is not reasonably possible for the prescribing physician or physician assistant to comply with the provision of this rule prior to providing such prescription.
(4) The provisions of this rule shall not be construed to prohibit patient care in consultation with another physician who has an ongoing relationship with the patient, and who has agreed to supervise the patient's treatment, including the use of any prescribed medications, nor on-call or cross-coverage situations in which the physician has access to patient records.
(5) For purposes of this rule, the term "telemedicine" shall include, but is not limited to, prescribing legend drugs to patients through the following modes of communication:
(a) Internet;
(b) Telephone; and
(c) Facsimile.

Specific Authority 458.309, 458.331(1)(v) FS. Law Implemented 458.331(1)(q), (t), (v) FS. History--New 9-14-03.

64 FL ADC 64B8-9.014