As Florida’s State Surgeon General, it gives me great pleasure to present this annual report on behalf of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA), which captures its purpose, achievements, and impact on the landscape of health care regulation in Florida during FY 2023-24. Every day, the health care practitioners and facilities we regulate, and the consumers who receive their services, rely on us to fulfill the purpose of our regulations. These regulations help uphold the safety and quality expected by each Floridian and visitor when receiving health care services. The success of these regulations relies on awareness, education, and compliance by the practitioners, facilities, and consumers and supporting resources to implement enforcement and programmatic activities. I am proud that MQA is among one of the divisions at the Florida Department of Health (Department) contributing to our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all Floridians. MQA works hard to sustain and improve a regulatory structure that supports the state’s priorities related to global competitiveness and economic growth. This year, MQA approved 123,187 initial licenses, upgraded 15,994 licenses, and renewed 514,914 licenses. These efforts are supported by dedicated employees who collaborate with 22 regulatory boards and four councils to effectively regulate 364 license types and adapt strategies to help the state respond to emergencies. In addition to managing its daily operations, I am proud of MQA for its enforcement and programmatic activities. I hope this report highlights for readers the importance of statewide investigative work taking place with our law enforcement partners. Health care facility inspectors, investigators, program liaisons, compliance managers, and attorneys work together with the boards, councils, and Office of the General Counsel to produce an effective enforcement and compliance model for Florida’s practitioners and facilities that is often looked to by other states when enacting legislation affecting health care professions. This year, MQA completed 5,250 investigations, referred 1,380 unlicensed activity (ULA) cases for investigation, and issued 505 cease and desist orders, fulfilling its commitment to the safety of health care consumers in Florida. We have much to celebrate as we reflect on the impact our work has had in FY 2023-24. Whether educating the public about the dangers of unlicensed medical practice, offering licensure support services for veterans, or encouraging safer prescribing of controlled substances, it is clear that MQA takes its commitment to protecting the public seriously. Message from the State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo MD, PhD State Surgeon General With the highest regards, 4 MQA Annual Report and Long-Range Plan | FY 2023-24
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