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MQA Q4 2014 - 2015

17

This section summarizes MQA’s enforcement activities. The Bureau of Enforcement’s key role is to investigate

complaints and reports against licensed practitioners and unlicensed practitioners. Investigations are pursued

at several levels, and the Bureau has several specialized units: the Unlicensed Activity Program, Consumer

Services Unit, Investigative Services Unit, and Compliance Management Unit.

ENFORCEMENT DATA

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance receives about 15,000 complaints

per year. Many of those the Department lacks the authority to pursue because they are not violations of statute

or rule (e.g. billing disputes or bedside manner complaints). Nonetheless, MQA in conjunction with the boards

that regulate the professions issued final orders against 1,508 health care practitioners last fiscal year. Some

practitioners were determined to need additional training to prevent errors, some were reprimanded and some

sanctioned. MQA takes emergency action for violations that pose an immediate and serious threat to the public

and violations under Section 456.074, Florida Statutes, including the commission of crimes, violations of

standards of care, drug use, impairment, drug diversion, sexual misconduct or student loan defaults.

QUARTERLY SUMMARY

Complaints Received

10,333

Legally Sufficient

1,971

Investigations Completed

1,436

Citations Issued

1

Dismissed by Panel

573

Probable Cause Found

380

Probable Cause Dismissed

52

Final Orders

392

Emergency Orders Issued

Emergency Restriction Orders

29

Emergency Suspension Orders

26

Total Emergency Orders

55

Fines and Cost Data for Current LicensEes

Dollar Amount Collected

$576,457.72

Dollar Amount Imposed

$1,042,696.30

Percentage Collected

55.29%

NUMBER OF ACTIVE CASES

Consumer Services

7,437

Investigative Services

1,022

Prosecution Services

4,621

Health care resources for

professionals and consumers are

available 24 hours a day at

www.FlHealthSource.gov. Apply

for a license, verify a license or

renew a license.

Detailed report by profession