An emergency order signed at the start of the pandemic temporarily suspended the requirement of a physical examination of an existing patient for the purpose of receiving a controlled substance prescription for chronic non-malignant pain. This order terminated on June 26, 2021. On July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Heath clarified that:
- Qualified physicians are required to conduct an in-person physical examination to issue a physician certification for any patient [e.g., for medical marijuana purposes].
- Controlled substance prescribers are required to conduct an in-person physical examination to issue a renewal prescription for a controlled substance.
These changes are immediate; there is no grace period or phase-in.