On May 17, 2023, Florida Bill SB254 was signed, imposing new restrictions on gender-affirming care, such as requiring individuals 18 years and older to sign an informed consent form approved by the Florida Board of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, while physically present with the prescribing physician.


However, in a significant win for the trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming community, a federal judge struck down key parts of Florida’s anti-trans law. The judge ruled that the state cannot restrict transgender patients to only receiving care from doctors, allowing qualified medical personnel, including registered nurses and physician assistants, to provide care. Additionally, the court found the state’s consent form to be misleading and biased.


“This ruling reaffirms that everyone has the right to access the care they need and cannot be arbitrarily discriminated against based on political ideology,” said Jerrica Kirkley, co-founder and chief medical officer at Plume. “Gender-affirming care is lifesaving, backed by science, and supported by every major professional medical association. We’re pleased some of the key restrictions have been reversed.”


What does this mean for Plume Members?

  • With this ban reversed, Plume Members will be able to to be seen by our nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs), not just doctors. This change will help reduce wait times and improve access to our services.
  • Although the state's misleading and biased version of the consent form has been struck down, Florida patients are still required to provide in-person consent with their Plume provider before beginning care. We will keep you informed when we have in-person consent clinics available next.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I live in Florida, is Plume accepting new members?

Yes, Plume is accepting new members. All new members must first have an in-person appointment with their Plume provider to sign consent forms to receive care. After signing your consent form and having your initial intake appointment, you can virtually continue care with your assigned provider and do not need to be seen in-person for future appointments. 


If you are interested in becoming a Plume member, our team will add you to our waitlist of interested Florida members and will reach out when in-person appointment availability opens.


How can I get an in-person appointment?

We are holding a series of pop-ups throughout Florida where members will have the opportunity to sign consent forms to satisfy the in-person informed consent requirements imposed by Florida Bill 254.  We will keep you informed when we have in-person consent clinics available next. 


I’m a Plume member in Florida. Do I need an in-person appointment and updated consent forms to continue receiving care? 

Yes. Although the state's misleading and biased version of the consent form has been struck down, Florida patients are still required to provide in-person consent with their Plume provider before beginning care. Our Care Team will be continuously reaching out to all current Florida members with instructions on how to sign up for an in-person appointment at one of our pop-ups throughout the year. If you are a current Florida member and have not been receiving our sign-up notifications, let your Care Team know.


I used to be a Plume member, can I restart my membership?

Yes, you can restart your membership. All patients who have previously taken GAHT (whether with Plume or another provider) must have an in-person appointment with a Plume provider to sign consent forms to receive care. Message your Care Team to inquire about restarting your membership. Our team will add you to our waitlist of restarting Florida members and will reach out when in-person appointment availability opens.


What if a pharmacy won’t fulfill my order?

If the pharmacy rejects your prescription, your provider can re-send your prescription order to a different pharmacy that is in-person. Just let us know the name and address of your new preferred in-person pharmacy! If you want to try another mail-order pharmacy, we recommend trying Amazon or New Era (prices vary based on your region). If you continue having trouble having a pharmacy accept your prescription, let the Care Team know and our Pharmacy Manager will be able to reach out and provide support.