Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If a prescription for a Schedule II opioid does not meet the requirements as specified in Section 456.44, F.S., the pharmacist should follow their current standard policy and procedures by contacting the prescribing practitioner to verify written information contained within the prescription. Any deviation or change in the prescription should be promptly reduced to writing and properly annotated based on your current pharmacy practice.

No. The new law does not require monthly visits if a patient’s condition is treated with a controlled substance. Your treating physician may choose to follow guidelines or recommendations from other sources, such as the CDC or DEA, but the controlled substance law does not include a requirement for monthly visits.

No. The new law does not require urine testing. Your treating physician may choose to follow guidelines or recommendations from other sources, such as the CDC or DEA, but the controlled substance law does not include a requirement for regular urine tests.

No. The “Controlled Substance Prescriber” designation found on the Department of Health’s website, is only an indicator by the prescribing practitioner that he/she prescribes controlled substances for the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain. It is for patient information only and does not affect the authority of a physician to write prescriptions for Schedule II opioids.

Physician, Dentist, Podiatrist, Certified Optometrist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Physician Assistant.

The IMLC is a voluntary agreement among U.S. states and territories that creates a voluntary, expedited pathway for physicians to obtain full, unrestricted licenses in multiple member states. Participating states still issue and regulate their own licenses, but the Compact reduces duplication and processing time. Around 80% of physicians meet the eligibility criteria. Since becoming operational in April 2017, the Compact has grown to include 40 states plus the District of Columbia and Guam.

Eligible practitioners first apply to participate in the Compact. Upon acceptance, they can then apply for expedited licensure in other Compact states.

Physicians apply through the IMLC website, select a State of Principal Licensure (SPL), and request licenses from the member states.

The IMLC does not offer discounts or waivers of licensing fees for military personnel or their families.

Military members or military spouses may qualify for state licensure fee waivers.

To qualify for this waiver you must be:

• A military veteran who has been honorably discharged or who will be honorably discharged within six months of submitting your application or;
• The spouse of a military veteran who has been honorably discharged or who will be honorably discharged within six months of submitting your application.

For a complete description of the IMLC expedited licensure process in Florida.

A physician’s SPL is the Compact member state where the practitioner holds a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine. This state is designated as the SPL by the IMLC for purposes of registration and participation in the Compact. Visit the IMLC website for additional information regarding SPL eligibility criteria.

Current Florida licensees must apply through the IMLC’s website to make Florida their SPL and to obtain a LOQ from the IMLC. Eligible licensed practitioners may apply through the IMLC website.

At any time during the 365-day period when a LOQ is valid, a physician can return to the IMLC website and select other Compact member states where the physician wants to seek licensure. The physician will be required to pay any necessary fees for each of the states chosen. The IMLC Commission then notifies each selected state that the physician is eligible for licensure.