Telehealth Expansion and Regulation In Florida, significant legislation specifically allowing telehealth was enacted in 2019. The regulation, known as the “Florida Telehealth Act,” was signed into law on July 1, 2019. The year of 2020 accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, leading to rapid changes in health care regulations to accommodate this shift. Since then, telehealth regulations have been refined to ensure patient safety, privacy, and equitable access while integrating services like virtual consultations and remote monitoring. This legislation was a significant step in safety facilitating the expansion of telehealth services in Florida, reflecting a broader national trend towards integrating telehealth into mainstream health care delivery systems. Advanced Technological Impact The impact of advanced technology on health care regulation has been profound and multifaceted, fundamentally altering how health care is delivered, monitored, and regulated. Florida spotlighted AI during the 2024 legislative session as lawmakers in the Senate sought to draft regulatory adjustments through Senate Bill 972. While not passed, the bill’s introduction represents a pivotal moment in health care as it highlighted the growing recognition of AI’s impact on the delivery of health care and Florida’s strong commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and equity in AI-driven diagnostics and treatment protocols. Despite its pending oversight and integration into health care service delivery, MQA has notably innovated Florida’s health care regulatory framework to include the introduction and continual expansion of AI through its Virtual Agent, ELI. Combining data and efficient workflows on conversational web, voice, and SMS platforms, ELI offers customers additional ways to contact MQA and provides actionable recommendations and tailored responses to customer inquiries around the clock. ELI remains the best way customers can learn about licensure requirements, initial application status, renewal requirements, fees, address updates, background screening processes, public records requests, and more. To learn more about how applicants, practitioners, and consumer are using ELI, visit FLHealthSource.gov/ELI. In 2023, MQA also issued its first round of e-licenses to health care practitioners, reflecting a shift from printing and mailing paper-based licenses. For each profession regulated by MQA, the transition to paperless licensing means seamlessly retrieving licensing through the MQA Online Services Portal within two business days of an approved application. As a result of implementing e-licensing in Florida, MQA expedited licensure and verification processes so that health care practitioners can get to work quickly and continue working through successful renewal cycles without interruption. To learn more, visit MQA’s e-licensing webpage (FLHealthSource.gov/ electronic-licensing) or ask MQA’s Virtual Agent, ELI. “ELI doesn’t just keep pace with technological progress; it establishes new standards in health care regulation.” – MQA Manager 2 1 MQA Annual Report and Long-Range Plan | FY 2023-24 15
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