Q4_09-17-2018

MQA Q4 2017-2018 9 UNLICENSED ACTIVITY Performing regulated health care activities without the proper licensing in Florida is a crime. Treatment by an unlicensed person is dangerous and could result in injury, disease or even death. When practitioners pay their licensing fees, $5 is designated specifically for the enforcement of health care regulations to reduce and eliminate unlicensed activity. From educating the public to conducting complex investigations and issuing cease and desist orders, the Florida Department of Health’s Unlicensed Activity (ULA) program is dedicated to protecting the people of Florida and remaining at the forefront of health care regulation. OUTREACH The Bureau of Enforcement (BOE) conducted the following ULA outreach and educational activities during the fourth quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year: • On May 31 and June 1, 2018, Jacksonville Investigative Services Unit (ISU) staff attended the 33rd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community and shared a booth with the Duval County Health Department. Staff members distributed information regarding the ULA program and answered questions from the public regarding ULA and Medical Quality Assurance. • On May 30 thru June 1, 2018, BOE staff attended the 2018 International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida, to promote the Department of Health’s ULA program. Staff members promoted the Department’s ULA program to attendees from across the state, and distributed promotional items and information to over 300 Federal, State & Local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other attendees. • On June 6, 2018, BOE staff attended the Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee meeting in Orlando. Staff provided information regarding the ULA program and made contacts within the fraud investigation community in Florida. • BOE staff attended the St. Pete Pride Festival in St. Petersburg, FL on June 24, 2018. Staff promoted the ULA program and the importance of knowing the license status of health care providers. There were approximately 50,000 people in attendance.