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MQA Q1 2015 - 2016
Executive Summary
2
MQA received 321 complaints of unlicensed activity, referring nearly 90 percent for investigation. This quarter, 133 cease
and desist notices were given to unlicensed individuals, whose unregulated and illegal activity could be disfiguring and
even deadly to its victims. In an effort to protect the public, this quarter saw nearly a 20 percent increase in notices to
cease and desist issued compared to the previous quarter.
MQA received 35,172 license applications and issued 27,449 licenses in the first quarter. 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 most licensees, you will see a section in the 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 increased.
Licensing fees brought in over $18 million in the first quarter, of which over half a million collected is dedicated to
combatting 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:
Section 20.43(1)(g), Florida Statutes:
The department shall regulate health practitioners for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of
the public.
Section 20.43(3)(g)(1-30), Florida Statutes:
Establishes the boards and professions for which the Division of Medical Quality Assurance is responsible.
LICENSING
ENFORCEMENT
FINANCES