Governor Crist issues Executive Order 08-170 regarding Emergency Management for Tropical Storm Fay
On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Governor Crist issued Executive Order 08-170, declaring a state of emergency for the entire State of
Section 4, paragraph D, of the executive order authorizes pharmacists in areas or counties covered under this executive order to dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill in accordance with section 465.0275, Florida Statutes.
Further, section 8, of the executive order provides that medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the America Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.
Additionally, please note that section 252.358, Florida Statutes, requires that all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other entities that are licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation and provide prescription medication coverage as part of a policy or contract waive time restrictions on prescription medication refills, which include suspension of electronic "refill too soon" edits to pharmacies, to enable insureds or subscribers to refill prescriptions in advance, if there are authorized refills remaining, and shall authorize payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription had most recently been filled by a pharmacist, when the following conditions occur: The person seeking the prescription medication refill resides in a county that is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service, is declared to be under a state of emergency in an executive order issued by the Governor, or has activated its emergency operations center and its emergency management plan.
DOH PRESS RELEASE: Medications in Disaster Situations
TALLAHASSEE– In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home and regular services may be temporarily limited. To ensure that you are able to continue taking your medications under such circumstances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends that you plan now by taking the following measures:
· Call your doctor now and request a 30-day supply of medication if possible.
· Get a pill organizer and pack enough pills for two weeks. Get assistance from your caregiver or medical professional in making sure you have packed enough of the medications you will need.
· Make a list of all your medications: how they should be taken, what time, etc. Make copies of the list. Put one copy with the medications; give one to a friend, and keep one with you at all times. Make sure to list any allergies, as well as foods you need to avoid. Your doctor’s name and emergency phone number should also be on this list. Your medical professional or caregiver should be able to assist you in this.
· Pack your medications now to have ready to carry with you at a moment’s notice.
· If you are taking prescription narcotic pain medications, keep them with you at all times.
· If you are on a special diet or require special supplements, take a two-week supply with you.
· Over the counter items that you should also bring with you: Pain reliever/ Ibuprofen, antacid, laxative/suppository, Imodium, Benadryl, decongestant, antibiotic ointment, lubricating eye drops.
· If you are using respiratory medications with a nebulizer, bring it with you.
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Thanks.
Bill Parizek, Strategic Planning Services (SPS)
Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Florida Department of Health
ph: 850-245-4702 (SC 205-4702)
fax:850-414-8209
Email: william_parizek@doh.state.fl.us
