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MQA Q1 2014 - 2015
Executive Summary
2
MQA received 30,092 license applications and issued 26,670 in the first quarter. Because of new continuing
education reporting requirements for licensees, you will see a section in the QPRs this year dedicated to the
rollout. Our Are You Renewal Ready? awareness campaign is in its second year, but with mandatory reporting
requirement kicking in for the first group of licensees in 2015, outreach efforts have been redoubled. Our
vendor, CE Broker, added 32,639 new accounts in the first quarter for CE tracking – 25,657 free basic accounts,
and 6,982 at paid subscription levels.
The number of complaints against licensed health care practitioners continued to rise -- up 10 percent over
the prior quarter and 24 percent over the first quarter of 2013-2014 -- with 5,598 received in the first quarter
and 1,477 being found legally sufficient for further investigation. MQA received 228 complaints of unlicensed
activity, referring nearly all for investigation. This quarter 74 cease and desist notices were given to unlicensed
practitioners, whose unregulated and illegal activity could be disfiguring and even deadly to its victims.
Licensing fees brought in $12.1 million in the first quarter, $419,722 of which was dedicated to stopping
unlicensed activity. The Division regularly reviews its licensing fees and makes adjustments so that it collects
only what is needed to regulate each profession. In July the Board of Nursing lowered initial license application
fees for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses from $165 to $100. 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), F.S., offers the Division of Medical
Quality Assurance an opportunity to update its 22 health care provider boards and eight councils, as well as all
stakeholders and health care consumers, on the important work undertaken in health care regulation.
The Division upholds the Department’s mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people
in Florida. MQA works with other stakeholder agencies at the state and federal levels, and our regional
investigative offices work with local officials and law enforcement agencies to stop dangerous activity within
Florida communities. The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014-2015 provides
statutorily required information on revenue, expenditures and performance measures, and highlights MQA’s
accomplishments, outstanding employees and successful partnerships.
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), F.S.:
The department shall regulate health practitioners for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of
the public.
LICENSING
ENFORCEMENT
FINANCES