Q1 • Quarterly Performance Report • FY 2023-24 13 FIGHTING AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING While MQA investigators investigate health care crimes, they also encounter victims of human trafficking. MQA is committed to ensuring that its investigators remain knowledgeable about human trafficking by sharing information and collaborating with industry partners. In September, ISU staff attended the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) Conference in Clearwater to learn best practices, establish new relationships, and explore new opportunities related to the fight against human trafficking. Through attending different sessions, investigators learned more about how to conduct trauma-informed investigations, build effective relationships between victims and law enforcement, and understand interactive crime scenes. Conferences like this also allow MQA investigators to network with other organizations within Florida and outside state lines. For example, as a result of attending the IAHTI Conference, investigators were able to connect with Victim Advocates, Miami Springs Police Department Detectives and Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), connections that will prove valuable to investigators in the future. Fort Myers ISU participated in the fight against human trafficking during September as they hosted a meet and greet in Naples with Intercept Task Force. This organization identifies victims of human trafficking and child exploitation and provides necessary resources, staffing, and support. This meet and greet was beneficial in establishing a partnership between both agencies as questions were asked and contact information was exchanged. As a result, both agencies are collaborating and upholding their commitment to protecting the health of all Floridians. While MQA has several resources to combat unlicensed activity, help from licensed health care practitioners, partnering organizations, and consumers is crucial to educating others. If you suspect unlicensed activity, you can report what you know by submitting information through MQA’s Online Complaint Portal or by calling 1-877-HALT-ULT to speak directly with an investigator. MQA also encourages you to know before you go; verify that your practitioner has a license by looking them up via MQA’s License Verification Portal and beware of the signs of unauthorized practice to detect when it may be happening, which can be found at FLHealthSource.gov/ULA. A CALL TO ACTION
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