As telehealth continues to revolutionize healthcare delivery, providers in Florida must navigate unique compliance challenges related to the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine. Florida’s CPOM laws ensure that medical decisions remain in the hands of licensed physicians, even in virtual care settings. This guide explores how telehealth providers can comply with Florida’s CPOM regulations while expanding their reach and maintaining high standards of care.

Telehealth providers in Florida face unique challenges when it comes to navigating CPOM laws. Access Plus Health specializes in helping telehealth businesses understand these regulations and create compliant business models. Whether you’re managing multi-state operations or working with non-physician providers, we provide the tools and expertise needed to ensure compliance in 2025 while maximizing the efficiency and reach of your telehealth services.

How CPOM Applies to Telehealth Providers

Florida’s CPOM laws are particularly relevant to telehealth because:

• Virtual Care Models: Telehealth blurs traditional boundaries between corporate and clinical roles.
• Multi-State Operations: Many telehealth providers operate across state lines, requiring compliance with Florida-specific CPOM requirements.

Key Compliance Considerations for Telehealth Providers

1. Physician Licensing
   All physicians providing telehealth services to Florida patients must hold a valid Florida medical license. Licensing ensures accountability and compliance with state-specific standards of care.
2. Ownership and Decision-Making
   Telehealth practices must adhere to Florida’s requirement that medical decisions be made exclusively by licensed physicians. Corporate entities can provide administrative support but cannot influence clinical operations.
3. Management Services Agreements (MSAs)
   MSAs must clearly define non-clinical roles, such as technology support, marketing, or appointment scheduling, while ensuring that clinical autonomy remains with physicians.

Common Challenges for Telehealth Providers

1. Technology and AI Integration:
   Incorporating AI tools for diagnostics or treatment recommendations requires clear delineation of physician oversight and decision-making.
2. Cross-State Compliance:
   Telehealth providers must ensure their operations align with Florida’s CPOM laws while managing different regulations in other states.
3. Corporate Influence:
   Non-clinical entities providing telehealth platforms or services must avoid exerting any influence over clinical decisions.

Strategies for Ensuring Compliance

1. Legal Expertise:
   Work with attorneys specializing in telehealth and CPOM compliance to review contracts, ownership structures, and operational practices.
2. Develop Clear Policies:
   Create protocols that separate clinical responsibilities from administrative functions and address the use of telehealth technologies.
3. Regular Training:
   Train staff and administrators on Florida CPOM laws, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clinical autonomy.
4. Periodic Audits:
   Conduct internal audits to ensure all aspects of your telehealth operations comply with CPOM requirements.

Florida’s CPOM laws are integral to maintaining ethical standards in telehealth. By understanding these regulations and implementing robust compliance strategies, telehealth providers can deliver quality care while avoiding legal risks.