The Florida Board of Medicine has changed its Standards for Telemedicine Practice by allowing controlled substances to be prescribed through the use of telemedicine only for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Following a pilot program where three psychiatric mental health organizations were given a waiver by the Board in order to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine, The pilot was deemed a success, paving the way for the change in the regulations to allow for prescribing controlled substances only for psychiatric disorders.

The move is being hailed by patient advocates as it will increase access to treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders. The change in the regulations is consistent with similar provisions in New Hampshire and Delaware.