On May 17, 2023, Florida Bill SB254 was signed into law and implemented on May 19, 2023. This bill introduces obstacles and complexity for individuals seeking or continuing gender-affirming care.
We oppose this legislation and the impact it will have on a traditionally underserved patient population. We are exploring a number of possibilities that would allow us to restore this area of care to our patients. However, this may take some time.
If you are receiving gender-affirming care from Circle Medical, here are some of the things that you need to know:
Unfortunately not, the law is already in effect and we can no longer prescribe hormone therapy at this time.
Yes, we will be canceling appointments for hormone replacement therapy. If you have an appointment with us regarding other areas of care they will not be canceled.
Most telemedicine providers are facing similar challenges in Florida and have suspended gender-affirming care or are no longer accepting new patients. We recommend searching for a local provider specializing in transgender or non-binary patients.
Yes, please log into the Circle Medical app and use the Chat to make that request.
Nurse practitioners and physician associates/assistants can no longer provide gender-affirming hormone therapy or perform gender-affirming procedures. These forms of care are now required to be performed only by physicians with an MD or DO license.
All patients, whether established or new, seeking gender-affirming care services (e.g. prescriptions) must sign an informed consent form approved by the Florida Board of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, while physically present in the same room as the prescribing physician.
Failure to meet the new bill’s strict requirements could result in a misdemeanor charge against the prescribing clinician, with a report to the corresponding state medical board.
Circle Medical is deeply concerned about the severe challenges that the trans community is facing, particularly in access to clinically-appropriate gender-affirming care.
Circle Medical firmly believes that primary care providers should be allowed to practice within the full scope of their license. Telemedicine has proven to be a very effective means of providing safe, high-quality care to patients who otherwise have trouble or lack access to it. Every patient should have the right to choose the medical care they require, including gender-affirming services. We strongly oppose this legislation and the impact it will have on this traditionally underserved patient population.
We will continue to advocate for regulatory reform via our membership in the American Telemedicine Association, as well as by engaging with regulators and lawmakers.
Please contact us using the Circle Medical app if you have any further questions.
Exceptionally qualified in their field
Board-certified
Deeply empathetic for patients
Follows evidence-based care guidelines
Embracing of diverse patient backgrounds
Impeccable record of previous care
