The bill amends Florida Statutes to expand the scope of practice for chiropractic physicians, allowing them to order, store, possess, prescribe, and administer articles of natural origin under specific conditions. It also enables pharmacists to fill prescriptions from chiropractic physicians who have completed a board-approved training course. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for all continuing education for chiropractic physicians to be conducted in a classroom setting and prohibits the Board of Chiropractic Medicine from limiting the number of continuing education hours that can be completed through distance learning. The Board is tasked with adopting rules regarding continuing education and setting qualifications for instructors of board-approved courses. The bill also updates disciplinary action grounds and revises certification requirements for chiropractic physician assistants, while ensuring chiropractic physicians are recognized as providers of initial services in personal injury protection insurance.

Moreover, the bill addresses medical benefits related to emergency medical conditions, capping reimbursement at $10,000 if an emergency is determined by a licensed healthcare professional, and limiting it to $2,500 if no emergency is found. It clarifies that medical benefits do not cover massage therapy or acupuncture unless practitioners have additional qualifications. The Financial Services Commission is required to establish rules for documentation to confirm eligibility for reimbursement, and insurers are restricted from requiring additional coverage beyond property damage liability for motor vehicle liability insurance. Non-compliance with these provisions may result in penalties for unfair competition or deceptive practices, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 564 Filed: 460.403, 460.408, 460.413, 460.4165, 627.736