The Florida Department of Health has announced that, in preparation for potential disruptions caused by the Gulf winter weather system, residents are permitted to obtain early prescription refills under the current state of emergency. The department is coordinating with emergency managers across the state and urges Floridians to ensure they have an adequate supply of their medications in case pharmacies become temporarily inaccessible.
According to the department, “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.”
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has also issued a reminder for health insurers and managed care organizations regarding compliance with section 252.358, Florida Statutes. This provision allows for early prescription refills when an executive order declaring a state of emergency is in effect. The requirement will remain until the Governor’s executive order expires or is rescinded.
“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 This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires,” according to OIR.
Executive Order 25-13 specifies that all licensed entities providing prescription medication coverage must waive standard time restrictions on refills during emergencies. They must also suspend electronic “refill too soon” edits at pharmacies and authorize payment for at least a 30-day supply if authorized refills remain available.
These waivers apply if individuals seeking medication reside in counties under hurricane warnings from the National Weather Service, areas declared under a state of emergency by executive order from the Governor, or counties where local authorities have activated their emergency operations centers and plans.
The period for these waivers lasts up to 30 days after such conditions begin or until terminated by authorities but can be extended through additional orders from OIR. However, policyholders must still adhere to all other terms outlined in their insurance contracts.
The Florida Department of Health oversees regulation and licensing related to healthcare practitioners and facilities throughout the state to protect public welfare. The OIR regulates insurance business practices and monitors industry compliance; more information about its activities can be found at www.floir.com or on X @FLOIR_comm.
