Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in several Florida counties as Invest 93L approaches, according to Executive Order 23-171. The order covers Alachua, Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.
The Florida Department of Health is coordinating with emergency managers across the state to prepare for possible impacts from the storm. The department advises residents to ensure they have an adequate supply of prescription medications in case pharmacies become temporarily inaccessible. Under the current state of emergency declaration by the governor's office and in accordance with section 252.358 of Florida Statutes:
“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 This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.”
The law requires all health insurers and related entities licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to suspend time restrictions on prescription medication refills during emergencies. They must also suspend electronic “refill too soon” edits at pharmacies so that insured individuals can refill prescriptions ahead of schedule if authorized refills remain. Payment must be authorized for at least a 30-day supply regardless of when the prescription was last filled if certain conditions are met: if a person resides in a county under hurricane warning from the National Weather Service; is covered by an executive order declaring a state of emergency; or if their county has activated its emergency operations center and plan.
Requests for these early refills must be made within 30 days after such conditions begin or until they are terminated by authorities. The waiver period may be extended in increments through additional emergency orders issued by OIR.
The Florida Department of Health regulates health practitioners and oversees licensing and enforcement for public safety. The department is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and works to protect and improve health statewide through integrated efforts at multiple levels.
The Office of Insurance Regulation holds primary responsibility for overseeing insurance business practices and compliance with relevant statutes. More information about OIR can be found at www.floir.com.
For updates from the Florida Department of Health visit www.FloridaHealth.gov or follow @HealthyFla on Twitter and Facebook.