Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-03 today, declaring a state of emergency across multiple counties in North Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough and Holmes. This action comes in response to recent tornado activity affecting the region.
The Florida Department of Health is collaborating with emergency managers statewide to address potential impacts on communities. The department advises residents to ensure they have an adequate supply of prescription medications in case pharmacies become temporarily inaccessible. During this state of emergency declaration by the Governor’s office under section 252.358 of the Florida Statutes allows for early prescription refills regardless of standard restrictions.
Additionally, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued a reminder to all health insurers and related entities about compliance with section 252.358. This statute permits early prescription refills when a state of emergency is declared by the Governor.
Under Executive Order 24-03 and section 252.358:
– Health insurers and managed care organizations must waive time restrictions on prescription medication refills.
– Electronic “refill too soon” edits will be suspended.
– Pharmacies are authorized to refill prescriptions for at least a 30-day supply if authorized refills remain.
This provision applies under certain conditions:
1) The individual resides in a county under a hurricane warning or state of emergency declared by the Governor or has activated its emergency operations center.
2) The request for medication refill is made within 30 days after these conditions arise or until they are terminated by authorities.
These measures do not exempt insured individuals from complying with other terms of their policy regarding prescription coverage.
The Florida Department of Health continues its mission to protect and promote public health through coordinated efforts at various governmental levels. For further updates and information from the department follow @HealthyFla on Twitter or visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
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