10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 10:52
On October 6, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending Executive Order 24-214, declaring a state of emergency in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties in preparation for Hurricane Milton's projected landfall.
The Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of their prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.
Furthermore, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued the following reminder to all health insurers, managed care organizations, and health entities:
Florida Law Reminder for Early Prescription Refills
This notice is a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor's executive order is rescinded or expires.
Executive Order 24-215
In accordance with section 252.358, Florida Statutes, emergency-preparedness prescription medication refills:
This section does not excuse or exempt an insured or subscriber from compliance with all other terms of the policy or contract providing prescription medication coverage.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health is responsible for the regulation of health care practitioners for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Licensing and Regulation section provides information relating to professional, facility, and permit licensing along with information on enforcement.
About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance, and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about OIR, please visit www.floir.com or follow on X @FLOIR_comm.