Category: Latest News

Fraud Alert: Protect Your License

We have seen a recent surge in fraudulent emails and phone calls targeting Florida health care practitioners by impersonating the Department of Health or Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA). These scams leverage information about the licensure and enforcement processes to attempt to steal your personal or financial information.

What You Need to Know:

Common Tactic :

  •  Emails or texts with links to file shares or login pages designed to steal your credentials.
  •  Fake emails from “MQA Online Services,” or asking you to verify or update personal information.
  •  Spoofed websites or messages that closely mimic official MQA/Department communications.
  •  Phone calls from imposters claiming to be investigators with fake badge numbers or case IDs.
  •  Threats of immediate license suspension to create panic and urgency.
  •  Look-alike email addresses, like flheallth.gov or fl-health.org.
  •  Malware attachments disguised as forms or case documents.
  •  Payment demands via gift cards, Venmo, wire transfers, or crypto.

Protect Yourself By :

  •  Ask yourself: Why would I need my password to access someone else’s file share? Do not enter credentials on unknown pages.
  •  Watch for inconsistent capitalization, vague language, poor grammar, or missing contact information – all red flags.
  •  Always verify the sender’s email domain. Official emails will come from @flhealth.gov.
  •  Never provide personal or banking information over the phone. Hang up and contact MQA directly to confirm.
  •  MQA does not send suspension notices via phone or email. Be cautious of urgent demands to “act immediately.”
  •  Double-check domains, letter by letter. When in doubt, call MQA directly using verified contact information.
  •  Do not open attachments from unknown sources. Official MQA emails include clear context, contact information, and official email signatures.
  •  MQA will never ask for payment via untraceable methods. Only pay through secure, verified channels.

 

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam:

If you have accidentally entered your credentials into any prompt or website that seems suspicious, or if you have been contacted by a suspicious caller or email, change your password immediately, gather the following information about the incident, and report it by calling the MQA Customer Contact Call Center at 850-488-0595 or emailing MedicalQualityAssurance@flhealth.gov.

  • A description of the scam and how you were contacted.
  • Screenshots of the phone call (with the timestamp and number).
  • Photos of any documents or emails received (including the sender’s email or fax number).
  • A copy of the envelope or bank charges, if applicable.

Coming Soon: Multi-Factor Authentication

To better protect your MQA Online Services account, MQA is launching multi-factor authentication (MFA) later this year. MFA adds an extra layer of security – requiring you to confirm your identity using something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a mobile device or fingerprint). Stay tuned for more updates on this important security upgrade.

Thank you for helping us protect the integrity of Florida’s health care workforce.

Sincerely,

Division of Medical Quality Assurance

Florida Department of Health

The Third Quarter Performance Report is Out!

As required by Section 456.026(9), Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) provides boards, councils, and other stakeholders with a quarterly update on its licensure, enforcement, and information trends, as well as insights into MQA’s financials. The Quarterly Performance Report for FY 2024-25 Quarter Three is available on MQA’s Reports and Publications webpage. Boards are encouraged to leverage the report information to manage their operations, understand their performance, and make informed decisions related to licensing and regulation. If you have any questions or suggestions about this report, please let us know through completing this short survey.

The MQA FY 2024-2025 Quarter Two Performance Report is Out!

The MQA’s FY 2024-2025 Quarter One Performance Report is Out!

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is proud to announce the release of the FY 24-25 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two, covering the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance’s (MQA’s) key trends in licensing, enforcement, and information, along with insights into MQA’s financials, during October 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. This comprehensive report, required by Section 456.026 (9), Florida Statutes, includes trend analyses and information tables on MQA’s three key processes of enforcement, licensing, and information, as well as current and projected cash balances and adequacy of fees.

Your feedback is important to us. If you have any questions or suggestions about this report, please let us know through this short survey.

The MQA’s FY 2024-2025 Quarter One Performance Report is Out!

The MQA’s FY 2024-2025 Quarter One Performance Report is Out!

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is proud to announce the release of the FY 24-25 Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter One, covering the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance’s (MQA’s) key trends in licensing, enforcement, and information, along with insights into MQA’s financials, during July 1 through Sept. 30, 2024. This comprehensive report, required by Section 456.026 (9), Florida Statutes, includes trend analyses and information tables on MQA’s three key processes of enforcement, licensing, and information, as well as current and projected cash balances and adequacy of fees.

Your feedback is important to us. If you have any questions or suggestions about this report, please let us know through this short survey.

Honoring Service Beyond the Uniform

The 2024 Florida Veteran Health Heroes publication is now available online. Often considered “MQA’s heart piece,” this report is a tribute from the Department to the veterans, active-duty military members, and spouses who double as first responders, physical therapists, nurses, lab technicians, psychologists, dentists, and more. We call them Veteran Health Heroes; despite taking off their uniforms, they have never stopped serving.

This is the first year this report is required by statute, which means an accompanying data tables report featuring newly captured military licensure statistics is published, too. Check out the reports on the MQA Reports and Publications webpage to read more about the evolution of military licensure pathways for health care practitioners, the impact MQA has made in streamlining licensure for those who have sacrificed the most, and who the Department’s 2024 Veteran Health Heroes are.

As always, drop us your feedback after reading the reports through this short survey or reach out with any questions.

The MQA FY 23-24 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan is Here!

Explore the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance’s (MQA’s) commitment to health care quality and safety in Florida. This comprehensive report, required by Section 456.026, Florida Statutes, gives health care partners and stakeholders an in-depth look at MQA’s regulatory efficiency and impact. Discover key trends in licensing, enforcement, and information, along with insights into MQA’s financials.

Check out the report on the MQA Reports and Publications page to see how MQA is advancing its mission to make Florida the healthiest state in the nation. We value your input—share your feedback in the MQA readership survey!

Hurricane Milton Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

Hurricane Milton Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

On October 5, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Milton.

Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

Under a state of emergency, a pharmacist can dispense an existing refill prescription early to persons who reside in an area or county covered under the executive order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but do not reside in an area or county covered by this executive order. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Under this state of emergency and pursuant to section 252.358, Florida Statutes, all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other entities that are licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation shall waive time restrictions on early refills.

Pursuant to section 465.0275, Florida Statutes, in the event a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and the pharmacist is unable to readily obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day supply of medication that is essential to the maintenance of life or to the continuation of therapy in a chronic condition.

In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this executive order may prescribe and dispense a supply of a medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.

In the event a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and the pharmacist is unable to readily obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, the pharmacist may dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 72-hour supply of the prescribed medication; or a one-time emergency refill of insulin and insulin-related supplies or equipment to treat diabetes mellitus, not to exceed 3 nonconsecutive times per calendar year, irrespective of the issuance of an executive order.

The full version of the Governor’s executive order may be found at: Executive Order 24-215

State Surgeon General Issues Emergency Order Number 24-003

On October 8, 2024, State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, issued Emergency Order 24-004 providing for the following for the duration of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 24-214 and Executive Order 24-215 declaring a State of Emergency for the effected Florida counties:

 

Mobile Pharmacies: Suspending section 465.022(11)(c), Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B16-28.113, which limit pharmacies and prescription department managers from operating in multiple locations.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Reporting (E-FORCSE®): Extending reporting under section 893.055(3)(a), Florida Statutes, which requires dispensers to report controlled substance prescription data to the PDMP within one business day, for up to 30 days.

Waiver of Practitioner Licensure Requirements: Suspending sections 456.065(2) and 401.41(1)(b), Florida Statutes, for any health care professional listed below that holds a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license in any state, territory, and/or district while providing services necessary to prepare for, report to, or mitigate the effects of Hurricane Milton. The permitted provision of health care services under this section is limited to the following licensees:

  • Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and their Medical Directors as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes.

State Surgeon General Issues Emergency Order Number 24-004

On October 11, 2024, State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, issued Emergency Order 24-004 providing:

Waiver of Practitioner Licensure Requirements: Suspending sections 456.065(2) and 401.41(1)(b), Florida Statutes, for any health care professional listed below that holds a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license in any state, territory, and/or district while providing services necessary to prepare for, report to, or mitigate the effects of Hurricane Milton. The permitted provision of health care services under this section is limited to the following licensees:

  • Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians and their Medical Directors as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes.
  • Physicians and Physician Assistants under Chapter 458. Florida Statutes.
  • Osteopathic Physicians and Physician Assistants under Chapter 459, Florida Statutes.
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses under Chapter 464, Part I, Florida Statutes.
  • Certified Nursing Assistants under Chapter 464, Part II, Florida Statutes.
  • Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes.

Waiver of Telehealth Registration Requirement: Suspending section 456.47(4)(a), Florida Statutes, for any health care professional listed below that holds a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license in any state, territory, and/or district while providing services necessary to prepare for, report to, or mitigate the effects of Hurricane Milton. The permitted provision of health care services under this section is limited to the following licensees:

  • Physicians and Physician Assistants under Chapter 458. Florida Statutes.
  • Osteopathic Physicians and Physician Assistants under Chapter 459, Florida Statutes.
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses under Chapter 464, Florida Statutes.
  • Certified Nursing Assistants under Chapter 464, Part II, Florida Statutes.
  • Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes.

 

Important Information on Fraudulent Emails to Practitioners

Important Information on Fraudulent Emails to Practitioners

The Florida Department of Health (Department), Division of Medical Quality Assurance, is warning Florida health care practitioners about a fraudulent email and phishing attempt sent to Florida healthcare practitioners.

Scammers are posing as the Department and offering to provide licensees with “important information” concerning a temporary change to your license status. This email did not originate from the Department.

Healthcare practitioners will never receive unsolicited calls or emails from the Department where personal information is requested, payments are demanded, or threats against your license are made. We want to protect our health care practitioners from fraud schemes. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or attachments, or provide any personal information. If you have any questions, please contact our customer contact center at (850) 488-0595.

Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian

Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian

On Friday, September 23, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Hurricane Ian.

Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

Under a State of Emergency, a pharmacist, in his or her professional judgment, may dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication to persons who reside in an area or county covered under the Executive Order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but who do not reside in an area or county covered by this Executive Order. In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this Executive Order may prescribe and dispense a supply of a medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.

However, this statutory allowance specifically prohibits dispensation of a medicinal drug listed in Schedule II appearing in chapter 893 and is not permitted under section 465.0275, Florida Statutes.

In the event a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and the pharmacist is unable to readily obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, the pharmacist may dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 72-hour supply of the prescribed medication; or a one-time emergency refill of one vial of insulin to treat diabetes mellitus, irrespective of the issuance of an Executive Order.

The full version of the Governor’s Executive Order may be found at: EO-22-219.pdf (flgov.com)

Website Server Maintenance Notice

Website Server Maintenance Notice

Please be aware of website server maintenance for MQA Websites beginning Friday, July 8th at 5:00PM EST. This will effect all Florida Board websites including FLHealthSource.  The maintenance will take around 24-48 hours for the updates to be completed.

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