Q2 • Quarterly Performance Report • FY 2023-24 ENGAGING OLDER ADULTS Targeting older adults for unlicensed activity outreach programs is essential for protecting well-being while also addressing broader public health concerns and promoting advocacy and education. As a vulnerable population, older adults may be more susceptible to deceptive health care practices due to factors such as isolation, cognitive decline, or reliance on caregivers. Some may receive substandard or unsafe care without proper oversight, leading to adverse health outcomes or exacerbating existing health conditions. Older adults may also suffer financial losses as a result of unlicensed activity, such as paying for ineffective or unnecessary treatments or being victims of financial exploitation. Knowing this, ISU staff partnered with the Tallahassee Senior Center in November to host a lunch and learn and equip older adults with unlicensed activity information. By educating this demographic about the dangers of unlicensed activity, MQA is not only safeguarding public health but empowering consumers to advocate for their own health and safety. 12 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
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA3OTMwMA==