Christopher L. Nuland, Esq.
Lobbyist and General Counsel
With the final gavel of the 2023 Legislative Session, we can now celebrate what can only be described as an extraordinary legislative season.
Successes abounded, including the following:
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager Regulation (SB 1550). We have worked on this bill for four years, and it is undoubtedly the most thorough piece of legislation in the country. The result should be that our patients will be able to have better access to the medications they need at lower prices.
- Use of Professional Titles (SB 230). Again, this is a bill at least five years in the making. The bill requires all health care providers to disclose, by name tag, the type of profession they are practicing. It also prevents any practitioner who is not an MD or DO from referring to themselves as an “internist” or “gastroenterologist.”
- Telehealth (HB 267). For the first time, telephone interactions will be deemed to be an acceptable form of telehealth, and physicians may bill for such interactions (although private insurance companies may have their own policies).
- Self-Referral (SB 768). This bill relaxes the direct supervision requirements of many Designated Health Services and conforms Florida law to the federal Stark Law.
- Colorectal Awareness. March was declared to be Colorectal Awareness Month by the Florida House.
On the defensive front, we defeated all attempts at Scope of Practice Expansion.
Admittedly, some issues will have to wait until next year, including bans on retroactive denials and step therapy protocols.
It was an eventful Session, and we should all be proud of our accomplishments this year!
As always, it is a pleasure and honor to serve.
Chris
