This website provides basic information about the Human Trafficking Bill, Chapter 2019-152, Laws of Florida, which addresses healthcare professionals licensed by the following Boards: Acupuncture, Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Chiropractic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing Home Administration, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition, Respiratory Care, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Healthcare professionals licensed by these Boards must complete one hour of continuing education (CE) on human trafficking and post a sign about human trafficking in their office by January 1, 2021.

The legislation also requires that new Massage Establishments have a Designated Establishment Manager (or DEM) starting July 1, 2019 and that all Massage Establishments, regardless of the time the license was issued, have one no later than January 1, 2020 Chapter 2019-152, Laws of Florida, also amended the provisions governing when the Board shall take disciplinary action against a Massage Establishment’s license. Finally, Massage Establishments are required to implement a procedure for reporting suspected human trafficking by January 1, 2021 and have a sign outlining that procedure posted in their establishment.

SIGNS

Each healthcare provider licensed by one of the named Boards must post a sign regarding human trafficking in a conspicuous place accessible to employees by January 1, 2021. The sign must be at least 11 x 15 inches and in at least 32-point type. The sign must contain statutorily required language and be posted in English and Spanish. The Department has also provided Mandarin translations of these signs for use in offices where those languages are spoken. The links below contain signs that meet the statutory requirements when printed at the listed size.

CE

Each healthcare provider licensed by one of the named Boards must complete a one hour continuing education (CE) course on human trafficking that has been specifically approved by their Board for this purpose. The course must be completed by January 1, 2021 and will count towards the required CE for renewal. The bill does not require that this course be taken again for future renewal cycles. The links below will direct you to courses that meet this requirement as soon as they are approved by the applicable Board.
  • To find an appropriate course, please visit:

MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS

The bill amends the laws governing massage establishments, requiring establishments to have a plan for reporting suspected human trafficking, amending the grounds for discipline of an establishment, and the requiring that each establishment have a Designated Establishment Manager.
The bill also requires that establishments implement a procedure for reporting suspected human trafficking and post a sign in an area accessible to employees with the relevant provisions of that procedure. The Board of Massage Therapy will be adopting Rules to implement this requirement. Information on rulemaking can be found in the Board’s meeting agendas published on our website at: Massage Therapy Meeting Information. Massage Establishments licensed after July 1, 2019 are required to have a Designated Establishment Manager (DEM). Massage Establishments licensed before July 1, 2019 must name a DEM by January 1, 2020. A DEM must be a licensed Massage Therapist with a clear and active license without restriction, practice at the establishment, and be responsible for the operation of the establishment in accordance with the laws and rules. Below are the new and revised draft forms for establishments which incorporate the requirement for a DEM. These forms are listed below and will be considered at the next meeting of the Board of Massage Therapy.  
*Applications and forms are coming soon.

FIND HELP

Children and adults can be victims of human trafficking. "If you see something, say something." If you have information regarding suspected Human Trafficking in Florida contact: Florida human trafficking number, 1-855-FLA-SAFE (855-352-7233). If you have information regarding suspected Human Trafficking of an adult or child anywhere in the United States please contact: National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-373-7888. Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE): To get help for victims and survivors of human trafficking or to connect with local services. Visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline online at: https://humantraffickinghotline.org.