[Gulf Telehealth](/)
- [Texas](/states#texas)
- [Louisiana](/states#louisiana)
- [Mississippi](/states#mississippi)
- [Alabama](/states#alabama)
- [Florida](/states#florida)
[Storm continuity](/storm-continuity) [Prescribing rules](/controlled-prescriptions)
[Gulf Telehealth](/) / Five state chapters
# Five states, five checks
Where are we, what permission does the doctor need, and what changes for the next visit?
Rules as of October 2026. These chapters cover physicians. We don't apply their rules to every health profession. For your own visit, the treating professional needs to confirm what fits your location and care.
The Gulf is one coastline, but it isn't one set of permissions. If you're leaving home, the destination chapter matters too. We ask the same questions in each state so the differences are easy to find.
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida share a coast, not a single licensing rule.
## Texas
### Where are we?
In Texas during care. State law treats qualifying [care started in Texas as practice in Texas](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/OC/htm/OC.151.htm), even if the doctor is elsewhere.
### What authority matters?
Generally, a full Texas medical license. [Chapter 175 keeps a narrow exception for older telemedicine licenses](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/title-22/part-9/chapter-175). Being licensed next door isn't enough.
### What changes for continuity?
If video fails, a phone call isn't an automatic replacement. For a new doctor-patient relationship, [chapter 111 sets out the allowed ways to connect](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/OC/htm/OC.111.htm). Existing relationships and arrangements for another doctor to cover have separate rules. The chapter excludes mental health services. Our [connection-loss example](/storm-continuity#connection) follows that distinction.
## Louisiana
### Where are we?
In Louisiana for the visit. Permission in the state you just left doesn't settle this state's question.
### What authority matters?
The Board says a physician without an active Louisiana medical license needs a [Louisiana telemedicine permit](https://www.lsbme.la.gov/content/application-instructions-initial-licensure-telemedicine) to practice telemedicine here.
### What changes for continuity?
The Board allows audio-only care after record review if the doctor decides the same care standard can be met. That's a condition, not a fallback for every dropped connection. Moving on brings the [next state's permission question](/state-lines) back into play.
## Mississippi
### Where are we?
In Mississippi, even overnight. The Board places telemedicine where the patient is, rather than where their home address is.
### What authority matters?
Rule 5.2 requires a [valid Mississippi license for the providers it covers](https://www.msbml.ms.gov/node/654). An appointment already on the calendar doesn't answer that.
### What changes for continuity?
We'd check the license before assuming the same doctor can continue. Rule 5.3 also covers follow-up and equipment-failure information. The Board's searchable text is reference material through February 2026, not the official code. We use it to frame the [Mississippi stop](/storm-continuity#mississippi-stop), not decide anyone's case.
## Alabama
### Where are we?
In Alabama. Its physician rules use your physical location. Before care, the doctor must, as far as possible, ask you to identify your city and state.
### What authority matters?
Generally, a full active Alabama license. The [Board describes limited exceptions](https://www.albme.gov/resources/licensees/telemedicine/), including occasional care and consultation with an Alabama physician.
### What changes for continuity?
A short stay doesn't prove an exception fits. We'd leave that check with the professional responsible for care. Controlled prescriptions bring extra conditions too; the [prescribing page](/controlled-prescriptions#state-limits) explains why a federal extension doesn't answer everything.
## Florida
### Where are we?
In Florida for the visit. A later visit from another state needs that state's rules checked too.
### What authority matters?
Florida licensees need no extra telehealth registration. Qualifying out-of-state professionals have a [Florida registration route](https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/faqs/), with limited exemptions.
### What changes for continuity?
That registration doesn't allow a Florida office or in-person care. Florida also limits certain controlled prescriptions by telehealth. Those [prescribing limits](/controlled-prescriptions#state-limits) need a separate check, even when permission for the visit is settled.
We follow this coast in a guide; we don’t provide care, fill prescriptions or sell anything.
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