Florida's Laws and Regulations on Telehealth

At My Doctor On Call (MDOC), we provide telemedicine services that strictly follow Florida’s laws and regulations to ensure safe, ethical, and high-quality care for every patient. Below is a summary of key regulatory considerations that guide our practice in the state of Florida.

Standard of Care
Our physicians and healthcare providers deliver telehealth care that meets the same professional standards as in-person visits. Every consultation, evaluation, and treatment plan is based on evidence-based medical practice and our decades of clinical experience.

Practitioner–Patient Relationship
At MDOC, a thorough telehealth evaluation is performed to accurately diagnose and treat our patients. While reviewing a detailed medical history or conducting a physical exam may not always be required under Florida law, our providers strive to gather all relevant information to ensure an accurate and safe assessment.

Prescriptions and Online Prescribing in Florida
Under Florida law, telehealth providers are authorized to prescribe most non-controlled medications without restriction.

For controlled substances, Florida Senate Bill SB 312 (effective July 1, 2022) allows telehealth providers to prescribe Schedule II medications under specific circumstances. These include:

  • Treatment of a psychiatric disorder with appropriate caution
  • Inpatient care in a licensed hospital
  • Patients receiving hospice care
  • Residents of a licensed nursing home

In accordance with Florida law, Schedule IV medications — including benzodiazepines and certain insomnia treatments such as zolpidem — may be prescribed via telehealth for both new prescriptions and refills. Our goal is to ensure that every prescription is clinically appropriate and fully compliant with all legal requirements

Before issuing any Schedule IV prescription, the prescribing provider will review the Florida Controlled Substance Database to ensure compliance with all state regulations and to safeguard patient safety..

At MyDoctorOnCall (MDOC), every case is evaluated individually to ensure that all prescriptions adhere strictly to Florida’s telehealth and prescribing standards. Patients and providers are encouraged to consult the Florida Board of Medicine’s official resources for the most current and authoritative prescribing guidelines

Informed Consent
Florida does not mandate a specific consent format for telehealth visits. At MDOC, we proactively obtain and document patient consent for all virtual visits, ensuring that our patients fully understand the process, limitations, and privacy protections in place.

Patient Identification
While Florida law does not impose identification requirements, MDOC always verifies patient identity before initiating any telemedicine service to maintain safety, confidentiality, and compliance.

Medical Records
We maintain confidential, HIPAA-compliant medical records for all telehealth encounters, following the same standards as in-person visits. Documentation includes diagnosis, treatment plans, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations, ensuring continuity of care and legal compliance.

Cross-State Licensing
Our Florida-licensed team provides telehealth services to Florida residents and visitors. For nursing services, Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing licensed nurses to serve patients across multiple participating states without needing separate licenses.

Payment and Insurance
Florida does not require payment parity between in-person and telehealth visits. At MDOC, we provide transparent pricing and inform patients upfront of any cost differences when services are provided virtually or in person. MDOC is a self-pay, pay-per-visit service. We do not bill to Private insurances, Medicare or Medicaid

Authorized Providers
Under Florida law, the following licensed professionals may provide telehealth services through My Doctor On Call:

  • Physicians (MD/DO)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Nurse Practitioners (ARNP)
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • Clinical Social Workers
  • Physical Therapists
  • Behavioral Health Specialists
  • Optometrists
  • Licensed Family Therapists

HIPAA-Compliant and Private Policy

MyDoctorOnCall.com – Web and Mobile Privacy Policy
Effective Date: August 28, 2025

Introduction
MyDoctorOnCall.com (“MyDoctorOnCall,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), owned and operated by CaraVaca de la Cruz LLC, is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of all personal and health information shared by our patients and website visitors.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information through our website, mobile platforms, and telemedicine services. It also outlines your rights as a patient or visitor when interacting with us.

By using our website or telemedicine services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected from:

  • Visitors to www.MyDoctorOnCall.com and our mobile platforms
  • Patients receiving telemedicine visits, chronic medical condition management, and second opinions

This policy does not apply to external websites linked from our platform. Please review the privacy policies of any third-party services you may access.

2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Identifiers: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and insurance or payment information if applicable.
  • Health Information: Medical history, symptoms, medications, and treatment details shared during virtual consultations or through secure forms (classified as Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA).
  • Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device type, and usage data for analytics purposes.
  • Communication Records: Emails, text messages, or recordings of telemedicine sessions when required for documentation or compliance.

3. How We Collect Information

  • Directly from you when you submit forms, book appointments, or participate in video consultations.
  • Automatically through cookies and similar technologies for analytics purposes only.
  • Secure integrations with HIPAA-compliant platforms for telehealth and patient records.

4. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used exclusively to:

  • Deliver safe and effective telemedicine care
  • Manage follow-up appointments and ongoing care for chronic conditions
  • Provide second opinions and generate referral letters when appropriate
  • Improve our website functionality and user experience through analytics
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Communicate securely with you regarding your care

We never sell, rent, or share your personal or health information for advertising or remarketing purposes.

5. Data Security
We take your privacy seriously and protect your information with:

  • HIPAA-compliant platforms for video and electronic records
  • End-to-end encryption of video and audio communications
  • Secure servers and firewalls
  • Strict access controls to limit data access only to authorized personnel

While we take every reasonable step to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage over the internet is 100% secure.

6. Use of Cookies
We use cookies only for analytics purposes to improve the performance and usability of our website. These cookies do not collect or share PHI. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may affect site functionality.

7. Patient Rights
As a patient of MyDoctorOnCall, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal and medical information.
  • Amend: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Delete: Request that we delete personal information, subject to applicable legal and medical record-keeping requirements.
  • Restrict Use: Request limits on how we use or share your information.
  • Confidential Communication: Request alternative methods of contact.
  • Accounting of Disclosures: Request a report of how your information has been shared.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us as outlined in Section 10 below.

8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed toward children under the age of 18 without parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect or maintain personal information from children without proper authorization.

9. International Users
Our services are based in the United States. By using our platform outside the U.S., you understand and agree that your information will be stored and processed according to U.S. laws and this Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or to exercise your rights, please contact:

MyDoctorOnCall
915 Old Welcome Rd
Lithia, FL 33547
Email: RaulAyalaMD@mydoctoroncall.com
Phone: (813) 230-7818

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in regulations, technology, or company practices. Updates will be posted with a new effective date. Please review this page periodically for the latest version.

Medical Licensing and Patient's Responsibility

Physician Licensure – USA, Europe, and South America

Dr. Raúl Ayala, a U.S. Board-Certified Physician, holds active medical licenses in Florida (USA), Peru, and Spain, reflecting over 36 years of international clinical experience.

  • Florida, USA – Medical License: ME79510
  • Board Certification: ABUCM 99931
  • Peru – Medical License: 22490
  • Spain – Medical License: 03-0312509

Dr. Ayala is authorized to practice traditional and modern clinical medicine in hospitals, private practice settings, and through secure telemedicine platforms, providing high-quality care and expert second medical opinions to patients worldwide. Dr. Ayala provides second medical opinions internationally, regardless of the patient’s location.

Legal Patient Responsibilities – MyDoctorOnCall (MDOC)

MyDoctorOnCall (MDOC) provides telemedicine and concierge medical services under the following terms and conditions:

  • No Malpractice Insurance
    MDOC and Dr. Raúl Ayala do not carry malpractice insurance.
  • Billing and Payment
    MDOC does not bill private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. All services are self-pay, pay-per-visit, and payment is required at the time of service.
  • Not an Emergency Service
    MDOC is not an emergency medical service. In the event of a medical emergency, patients must call their local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the U.S.) or go to the nearest emergency facility.
  • Informed Consent Requirement
    All patients must carefully review, understand, and sign the Informed Consent and Waiver before receiving any service, including second opinions.

By signing the Informed Consent and Waiver, you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. You understand the scope and limitations of services provided by MDOC, including restrictions based on licensing jurisdictions.
  2. You accept that direct care, prescriptions, and diagnostic orders are only provided in locations where Dr. Ayala is licensed to practice.
  3. You are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and up-to-date medical information.
  4. You agree to hold harmless Dr. Ayala, affiliated physicians, and MDOC for any care, advice, or recommendations provided under these terms.

Acknowledgment

By signing the Informed Consent and Waiver, you confirm that you have:

  • Carefully read and fully understood this notice.
  • Had the opportunity to ask questions and receive clarification.
  • Voluntarily agreed to these terms and conditions prior to receiving any MDOC services.

Form of Consent and Liability Waiver

For Private Telemedicine Services Without Malpractice Coverage

Patient Name: __________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________
Date of Consultation: __________________________

I, the undersigned patient, acknowledge that I have been fully informed, in clear and understandable terms, about the nature, scope, and limitations of the private medical consultation to be provided by MyDoctorOnCall.com, under the care of Dr. Raúl E. Ayala.

By signing this document, I give my express, informed, and voluntary consent to receive telemedicine services under the following conditions:

1. Nature of the Service

I understand that this telemedicine consultation is educational, advisory, and consultative in nature. It may include:

  • Evaluation by video or phone teleconference
  • Review and interpretation of medical studies, labs, or imaging
  • General therapeutic suggestions and/or second medical opinions
  • A treatment plan, only in jurisdictions where Dr. Ayala holds an active medical license

I understand that no in-person or invasive procedures will be performed, that controlled or experimental medications will not be prescribed, and that this service is not a replacement for urgent or emergency care.

2. Private, Direct-Pay Service

I acknowledge that this consultation is a private, self-pay service and is not covered by any insurance plan.
I understand and accept that payment must be made directly and in advance, and that no reimbursement will be available from any insurance company.

3. No Insurance or Malpractice Coverage

I understand and accept that Dr. Raúl Ayala is acting solely as an independent medical consultant, retired from traditional in-office practice, and that he does not carry malpractice liability insurance for these services.

4. Liability Waiver

By signing this form, I acknowledge and agree that:

  • This consultation does not establish a conventional physician–patient relationship and is not governed by hospital or emergency care standards.
  • I accept the medical advice and guidance provided voluntarily and with full understanding of its limitations.
  • I release and hold harmless Dr. Raúl Ayala and MyDoctorOnCall.com from any liability, claims, damages, or adverse outcomes — direct or indirect — arising from this consultation, except where prohibited by law.
  • This waiver applies to all current and future consultations conducted under MyDoctorOnCall.com.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

All information shared during the consultation will be handled in strict confidence, in compliance with international privacy standards and HIPAA regulations of the United States, where applicable.

6. Applicable Jurisdiction

This agreement shall be interpreted and enforced under the laws and jurisdiction of the State of Florida, United States, with both parties expressly waiving any other jurisdiction.

7. Voluntary and Informed Consent

I declare that I have read and understood this document in its entirety, that I had the opportunity to ask questions, and that I sign it freely, voluntarily, and without coercion, being of sound mind and legal capacity.

Patient Signature: ___________________________         
Date: _______________
Printed Name: _______________________________

Consulting Physician Signature: _____________
Name: Dr. Raúl E. Ayala

Florida Law Patient Rights

Core Rights Under Florida Law (§ 381.026)

Florida law guarantees patients numerous rights within healthcare settings, including:

Many healthcare providers (e.g., hospitals) also publish their own versions—often more expansive—of the Patient Bill of Rights, which include additional protections such as pain management, advance directives, confidentiality of records, visitation rights, complaint procedures, and safeguards against abuse and neglect. AdventHealth

Related and Specialized Rights

  • Nursing Home Residents’ Rights under Florida Statutes Chapter 400 (§ 400.022): Residents are granted rights including dignity, privacy, visitation, dietary accommodations, and the ability to file complaints. Civil lawsuits can be pursued to enforce these rights. nemours.org, Wikipedia, The Florida Senate
  • Florida Mental Health Act (Baker Act, Chapter 394): Offers additional rights for individuals subjected to involuntary mental health examination or treatment—covering the regulation of restraints, seclusion, treatment oversight, and complaint resolution. My Florida Families
  • Firearm Owners’ Privacy Act: Limits inquiry about firearm ownership during medical exams—physicians generally cannot ask about or record gun ownership unless it is medically relevant or necessary for safety. Wikipedia, Online Sunshine

How These Rights Are Typically Shared

  • You’re entitled to a summary of your rights upon admission and can request the full text of the law from your healthcare provider or facility. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
  • Hospitals and clinics usually provide a written “Patient Bill of Rights” or pamphlet, and many include additional points like advance directive policies and pain management standards. AdventHealth

Summary Table

Area Your Rights / Protections

Informed Consent / Refusal: Refuse treatment; receive full information or decline it.

Provider Transparency: Know who is treating you and available support services.

Privacy: Protected privacy; limited firearm questioning.

Financial Matters: Access to cost estimates, billing details, and payment counseling.

Emergency Care: Guaranteed care regardless of ability to pay.

Grievances: File complaints through provider or licensing agency.

Research Participation: Voluntary consent required for experimental treatments.

Additional Protections: Pain management, advance directives, confidentiality, visitation, abuse prevention (via hospital policies).

Long-Term Care: Nursing home residents have specified rights and remedies.

Mental Health: Rights around restraint, seclusion, and treatment under Baker Act.