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MQA Q4 2014 - 2015
Bureau Of OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
2
MQA received 369 complaints of unlicensed activity, referring more than 90 percent for investigation. This
quarter, 109 cease and desist notices were given to unlicensed practitioners, whose unregulated and illegal
activity could be disfiguring and even deadly to its victims. In an effort to protect the public, this quarter saw a
35.4 percent increase in investigations completed compared to the previous quarter.
With the economy on the rise, Florida has become the privileged home to an increased health care workforce.
The population of licensed health care practitioners in Florida increased by 15.9 percent since 2010 while
the resident population increased by only 5.5 percent. MQA received 41,189 license applications and issued
28,632 licenses in the fourth quarter, and the Department of Health has made a concerted effort to reduce
regulation and eliminate unnecessary barriers to licensure. Because of new continuing education reporting
requirements for licensees, you will see a section in the Quarterly Performance Reports (QPR) this year
dedicated to the rollout. Our Are You Renewal Ready? campaign is in its second year, but with mandatory
reporting requirements, outreach efforts have been doubled.
Licensing fees brought in $68 million in the second quarter, over $1 million of which was dedicated to stopping
unlicensed activity. The Division regularly reviews its licensing fees and recommends fee adjustments so that
it collects only what is needed to regulate each profession. MQA is accountable for how it spends licensees’
money, and strives to maintain efficient regulatory processes that save money and get practitioners to
work faster.
The Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) required by Section 456.025(9), Florida Statutes, offers the Division of
Medical Quality Assurance an opportunity to update its 22 health care provider boards and six councils, as well
as all stakeholders and health care consumers, on the important work undertaken in health care regulation.
The Florida Legislature created the Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) in 1988:
Establishes the boards and professions for which the Division of Medical Quality Assurance is responsible.
Section 20.43(1)(g), Florida Statutes:
Section 20.43(3)(g)(1-30), Florida Statutes:
The department shall regulate health practitioners for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of
the public.
Licensing
Enforcement
Finances
During the fourth quarter, the Bureau of Operations (BOO) participated in several outreach efforts to establish a
presence within the community and develop new partnerships. The Bureau participated in Public Health Week
at the Florida Capitol where staff educated participants on how to verify a practitioner’s license and about the
dangers of receiving health care from an unlicensed person. Public Health Week concluded with Public Health
Day where local groups and businesses provided families with unique opportunities to expand their knowledge
on healthy living. Two 5K Fun Runs were also hosted as part of the continuing outreach efforts of the Are You
Renewal Ready? campaign. To close the quarter, BOO participated in Tallahassee’s Ride for Hope event by
hosting a booth at the expo and health fair. The Ride for Hope is an acclaimed event benefitting cancer research,
patients and survivors in the community by providing the most comprehensive and compassionate
care available.