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MQA Q3 2014 - 2015
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The Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council, which is under the Florida Board of
Medicine, sent more than 2,200 letters to businesses that provide fitness and
health services as educational outreach to prevent unlicensed practice of dietetics
and nutrition and nutrition counseling. Unskilled practitioners present a danger to
the public health and safety, and the council is tasked with making sure everyone
who practices in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. The letter
provided information regarding the need for licensure and links to the laws and rules
and license verification.
Karen Lambert and Camille Mueller, with the Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Strategic Planning Services, are traveling the state to educate our customers with
the Are You Renewal Ready? campaign. Last week, they had a great reception from
the Tampa/Sarasota/Bradenton area. Renee Adamson, Director of Respiratory Care
Services at Moffitt Cancer Center said “We appreciate you offering us this service. It
is great that MQA is reaching out to the therapist and providing beneficial information
regarding licensure, as well as reviewing the FLHealthSource.gov site.” They spoke
to 752 attendees and visited 24 facilities. Other efforts include 50,000 email blasts,
postcards, phone calls to facilities, site visits, tweets, board and association notices.
According to February data, there are approximately 12,000 respiratory therapists
and 4,000 dietitians/nutritionists in the first mandatory renewal due May 31, 2015.
The Department requires verification of continuing education records before they can
renew their licenses.
Dee Ramer, Regulatory Supervisor in the Bureau of Health Care Practitioner
Regulation received recognition again this week, this time all the way from
Massachusetts! Dee is accountable according to the Massachusetts clinician and
shows diligence in her work. The customer also wrote, “Every time I email her she
emails me back with the exact information I need. As a person in management, it is
great to be served by someone who responds accurately and rapidly.”
We achieve our mission by serving our customers and engaging
our partners.
RESPONSIVENESS
Sandra Washington, Regulatory Specialist with the Board of Respiratory Care,
understands the importance of licensing applicants quickly so they can obtain
employment to support their families. Mrs. Gloria Flynn applied for licensure via
endorsement of her Virginia respiratory license. Upon being licensed, she wrote to the
Board of Respiratory Care saying, “I want to let you know that Sandra Washington was
the best angel I could have hoped for.” She added, “Sandra Washington is a rare gem!
Please thank her for helping me. I start my job on Monday thanks to her.”