24937262, 65DER21-1 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 24937262

Notice of Emergency Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Division:

Substance Abuse Program

Overview

RULE:

65DER21-1

Clinical and Operational Standards for Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders.

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE:

On May 03, 2017, the Governor of the State of Florida signed an executive order declaring that the opioid epidemic threatens the State of Florida with an emergency. This executive order was extended eleven times.  Also, on April 01, 2019, the Governor signed an additional order creating the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse to combat the opioid epidemic. The Department has determined there is currently a growing concern with an increased risk of overdose and deaths due to opioid use so that revising the methadone treatment procedures is necessary.

REASON FOR CONCLUDING THAT THE PROCEDURE IS FAIR UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES:

The procedure is fair and necessary under the circumstances because it ensures equitable treatment of medication-assisted treatment providers in enabling them to deliver continuous treatment for individuals in the community to decrease chances of opioid related overdoses and deaths. 
Proposed changes in this emergency rule focus on changing the criteria for the number of methadone take-home doses dispensed being adjusted to support dynamic treatment needs in accordance with federal guidelines.

SUMMARY:

This rule makes changes to permanent Rule 65D-30.0142 F.A.C., relating to clinical and operational requirements for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Changes are necessary to address an immediate danger to the public health by modifying the requirements related to performing services through telehealth, by adjusting the methadone take-home standards to reflect the current federal guidance, and by suspending caseload requirements.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS:

Jodi Abramowitz. Jodi Abramowitz can be reached at Jodi.Abramowitz@myflfamilies.com.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

8/30/2021 Vol. 47/168

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:

Joint Administrative Procedures Committee
Florida Administrative Law Central Online Network (F.A.L.C.O.N.)

RELATED COURT CASES:

Division of Administrative Hearings

FEDERAL eRULEMAKING
WEB PORTAL:

Regulations.gov

HOW TO LINK TO
THIS NOTICE:

http://flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=65DER21-1&PDate=8/30/2021&Section=4

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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