Advice for AOL users
Users of later versions of AOL may experience problems accessing links within the Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Services page when inside AOL and using the AOL browser. This is caused by pop-up security features within newer versions of AOL. Try to avoid accessing MQA Services from within AOL.
The way around the problem, once you have started AOL, is to minimize the AOL window and, from your computer's desktop, open up an Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator browser. Type the url, www.flhealthsource.com, directly on the address line of the browser and press Enter. You will be able to access all the features within the MQA Services page without experiencing problems.
How can I find whether someone is licensed?
Use our online License Verification Search. When you search, you will get best results if you enter less information. For example, only provide the county where your practitioner is located or the last name and first name. If the licensee is one of our profiled professions, the record will have an additional tab entitled Practitioner Profile. It will take you to the practitioner’s reported education, specialty certification, etc.
Which professions have profiles that list education, specialty certification and other background information on-line?
All medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractic physicians, podiatrists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Practitioner Profile Search System
How can I get a list of practitioners by county?
To view a list of actively licensed practitioners, use the License Verification Search and select the county and profession from the drop-down list. To get a printed list of active practitioners, go to our Data File Download System Home Page. This page provides information on online data downloads and ordering custom reports.
How can I get a list of licensee data?
To get a printed list of active practitioners, go to our Data File Download System Home Page. This page provides information on online data downloads and ordering custom reports.
How can I get a practitioner’s disciplinary history?
You can request a practitioner’s disciplinary history by using our online Public Record Request For Disciplinary Documents. You may also search for disciplinary information by using our Final Order, Emergency Action and Administrative Complaint Search Screen.
How long does it take to get a response to my public records request?
It takes seven business days to get a response to your public records request.
How can I file a complaint against a licensee?
Complaint forms can be printed from our website or requested by telephone at 1-888-419-3456 or (850)414-1976.
Complaint Forms:
General Healthcare Professions Complaint form (doc - 244kb)
Dental Professions Complaint form (doc - 4mb)
Psychiatric/Psychology Complaint form (doc - 261kb)
Unlicensed Person Complaint form (doc - 317kb)
Mail to:
Department of Health
Consumer Services Unit
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C75
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3275
How may I become a board member?
Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. You may apply by contacting the Governor’s Appointment Office, LL10, The Capitol, Tallahassee FL 32399-0001; or by calling (850) 488-2183.
Who can attend board meetings?
All board meetings are open to the public.
How can I get a board meeting agenda?
To find out how to obtain a board meeting agenda, go to the board/profession webpage, and click on the “Board Meeting Information” button.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any other questions, please call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (excluding state holidays).
Why do I receive an error when trying to print my temporary license?
If a PDF file fails to download, shows up blank, or freezes your internet browser, the file was most likely corrupted during the download process. Click here for instructions on how to fix this problem. Scroll down until you find the internet browser you are using.
I'm not receiving a response to my email inquiries?
To report customer service issues, please fill-out and submit our Customer Concerns and Suggestion Survey. You will receive a response within one business day.
Also, if you have SPAM blocker on your computer, you will not be able to receive emails from us without updating your SPAM blocker to allow emails from the Department. Please update your SPAM blocker to receive emails from @doh.state.fl.us or contact our MQA Call Center at (850)488-0595.
What is the advantage of renewing my license online?
When you renew your license online, you will receive immediate confirmation that your renewal was received and processed successfully. In addition, online renewal allows you to use American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover to pay. Click here for more information regarding renewals.
Is there an additional fee for using a credit card?
No. There is no additional cost for making a credit card payment online.
Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Why doesn't the Renew License link allow me to open it?
The Renew License link is only activated for practitioners who are in renewal. If you believe your license is in renewal and you do not have access to the online renewal system, please email the Department at Licensure_Services@doh.state.fl.us or call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
When is my renewal due if I renew online?
Online renewal does not change your renewal expiration date. You are still required to submit a renewal no later than midnight on the date the license is scheduled to expire.
How do I know when I should renew my license?
The department will mail a renewal notification (postcard) to your last known address at least 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. Your license also indicates the date it will expire. Click here for more information regarding renewals.
What if I want to change the status of my license during renewal?
The e-Renewal system will not allow you to change your status online. If you need to change your license status, you will be required to mail your renewal application and fee to the department for processing. Click here for more information regarding renewals.
Can I give my credit card information over the phone or by mail to renew my license if I do not want to use my card on the Internet?
No. The e-Renewal web site is a secure site and does not retain complete credit card information after the data is processed.
How do I tell if my e-Renewal was successful?
You will receive a confirmation message following a successful renewal. You are encouraged to print this message for your records.
Should I still mail in the renewal application if I renew online?
No. If you receive confirmation of a successful renewal, submission of the renewal application is not necessary.
Why won't the e-Renewal website accept my credit card information?
There are many reasons why credit card information may not be accepted. Some suggestions for checking credit card data input are listed below. If you find that all data is complete and correct, but the card is still not accepted, try a different card.
- Be sure that you do not use any hyphens, "-", underlines, "_", or spaces when you type your credit card number.
- Do not type text in the space provided for your credit card type, be sure that you click on/select your credit card type from the drop down list of acceptable credit cards.
- Be sure to state the credit card expiration date correctly, with the slash and without spaces. An example of a month, year expiration would be: 09/03
- There is no comparison between the name on your license and the credit card name. When typing the name on the credit card, be sure that you type it just as it appears on the card that was used to complete the other credit card information.
- Be sure that all credit card data fields are completed.
Why does my computer screen jump back to a previous page after I have already entered the data on the previous page and it does not submit my renewal request?
For Internet Explorer users, the security setting must be set to medium and cookies must be enabled. To set Internet Explorer to medium security follow the instructions below:
- Open Internet Explorer and select 'Tools' from the top menu bar.
- Select 'Internet Options' from the drop down list.
- Once the 'Internet Options' window appears, select the 'Security' tab.
- From the 'Security' tab window click on/select 'Medium'.
- To enable cookies, use the same 'Internet Options' window and select the 'Advanced' tab.
- From the 'Advanced' tab window, press the down arrow on your keyboard until the words 'Always Accept Cookies' are highlighted and use the scroll bar and click on/select 'Always Accept Cookies'.
- Click 'Apply' and retry using the e-Renewal system.
Which link allows me to change my mailing address on file with the department?
Once you are logged into Online Services, select Update Address link from the side navigational menu.
How do I obtain a duplicate license?
There are two methods available to you, an online method and a request by mail method.
Online Method: Many practitioners can request duplicate licenses through the Practitioner Login feature of MQA Services. After logging into the system with your User ID and password, select Duplicate License from the navigation bar located on the left. There is a $25.00 fee associated with this request.
Request by Mail Method: Send a letter stating your full name, profession, license number, last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, and statement requesting a duplicate license, along with a $25.00 cashier's check or money order made payable to the Department of Health. Please mail your request and fee to the Department of Health, Post Office Box 6320, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320. You should receive a new license in approximately 4-6 weeks. Please be aware if your profession is pending renewal, you may asked to renew your license instead of being issued a duplicate license.
How do I find more information about license renewal issues?
Visit your board/profession webpage and click on the “Renewal Information” link.
Can I change my account User ID?
Yes. After you have successfully logged in, you can modify your account id by linking on Update Login located on the side navigational menu.
Can I change my password?
Yes. After you have successfully logged in, you can modify your password by linking on Update Login located on the side navigational menu.
I'm entering my Account Id and Password but I can't get logged on. What's the problem?
Please note that Account Id and Password are case-sensitive. You must enter the values exactly as they were provided. If you continue to have problems, please call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
How can I request a license certification to send to another state?
You can request a license certification from the website under the Licensee Information Services tab by selecting Request License Certification.
What is CE Broker and why was it developed?
The Department of Health was mandated by law to implement an electronic continuing education (CE) tracking system. CE Broker is the name of the electronic tracking system developed for the Department of Health, by Information Systems of Florida. The system helps track and facilitate audits of continuing education (CE) credits earned by Florida's Health care practitioners. For more information, please click here.
How does CE tracking system affect my license renewal?
The electronic tracking system has no effect on your ability to renew your license.
If I, as a licensee, do not have the necessary CE credits reported in the electronic CE tracking system to meet the CE requirements, will the licensee be disciplined?
If an audit (electronic) indicates you failed to meet your CE requirements, you will be referred for possible action against your license. This process includes an opportunity for you to submit, manually or electronically, proof of your compliance with the CE requirements and thus avoid further action against your license. Only if you cannot prove compliance with your CE requirements will you be subject to further action against your license. Discipline will be conducted according to licensure rules which govern your profession.
Where would I file an appeal if I am disciplined by my licensing board?
At the following address: Department of Health, MQA Agency Clerk’s Office, 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin CO1, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3251.
Will my license be renewed if at time of renewal any or all of my required CE course credits have not been reported to the electronic CE tracking system?
Yes, your license will be renewed as compliance with your CE requirements is not linked to renewing your license and data in CE Broker is not used during renewal.
Can I self-submit a course completion report to the electronic CE tracking system?
Yes, you may self-report course hours not otherwise reported, if allowed by your profession’s rules, by accessing the CE Broker website, at no cost.
When does the data in the CE tracking system apply to me?
The tracking of data relating to your CE course credit begins with your first biennium licensure period after January 1, 2004.
Is my CE information in the electronic CE tracking system a public record?
Yes.
How do I know if this website is secured?
This website is secured using a thawte Digital Certificate. This ensures that all information you send to us via the World Wide Web will be encrypted. Please click on the thawte Trusted Site Seal which demonstrates our commitment to your security.
In addition to the thawte Trusted Site Seal, you will also see the “lock” emblem displayed in the browser.
- In Internet Explorer 6, the lock emblem can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the status bar.
- In Internet Explorer 7.0, the lock emblem can be found next to the address (URL) line.
- In FireFox and Netscape, the emblem can be found in both locations.
Impaired Health Care Professionals - Does the department have assistance programs for impaired health care professionals?
Yes, Florida health care professionals can seek assistance for impairment through the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) or the Impaired Practitioner Program of Florida (PRN). Impairment may be as a result of misuse or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or both, or due to a mental or physical condition which could affect the licensee’s ability to practice with skill and safety.
| Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) (Contract Number: COMR7) Jean DAprix, BA, RN, CARN, Executive Director P.O. Box 49130 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-9130 Toll Free: (800) 840-2720 Telephone number (904) 270-1620 FAX (904) 270-1633 E-Mail Jdaprix@ipnfl.org |
Professionals Resource Network (PRN) Impaired Practitioners Program of Florida P.O. Box 1020 Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035-1020 800-888-8PRN (8776) 904-277-8004 Fax: 904-261-3996 admin@flprn.org |
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any questions about renewing your license, call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. (Excluding state holidays)
Advice for AOL users
Users of later versions of AOL may experience problems accessing links within the Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Services page when inside AOL and using the AOL browser. This is caused by pop-up security features within newer versions of AOL. Try to avoid accessing MQA Services from within AOL.
The way around the problem, once you have started AOL, is to minimize the AOL window and, from your computer's desktop, open up an Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator browser. Type the url, www.flhealthsource.com, directly on the address line of the browser and press Enter. You will be able to access all the features within the MQA Services page without experiencing problems.
After you receive my application, how long will it be before I get a response?
We will send you notification about the status of your application within 30 days after we receive it.
Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
How do I check the status of my application?
Call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (excluding state holidays). You may also email us at MedicalQualityAssurance@doh.state.fl.us.
Is fingerprinting required to get my license?
The following health care professions are required to provide fingerprints with their application:
- Medical doctors
- Osteopathic physicians
- Chiropractors
- Podiatrists
- Advanced registered nurse practitioners,
- Registered nurses who apply by endorsement from another state.
- Licensed practical nurses who apply by endorsement from another state.
How do I find a LiveScan service provider in order to submit my fingerprints to the Department?
The Department of Health accepts electronic fingerprinting service offered by LiveScan service providers that are approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and listed at their site. You can view the service provider options and contact information on the LiveScan Service Providers List
What information must I provide to the LiveScan service provider I choose?
a) If you are an applicant seeking a license for any profession regulated by the Department of Health which requires a criminal background search as a condition of licensure, you must provide accurate demographic information at the time your fingerprints are taken, including your Social Security number. The Department will not be able to process a submission that does not include your Social Security number.
b) You must provide the correct ORI number. If you apply online, there is a form that you can print out that will have your ORI number prepopulated. In the paper application, you can locate your ORI number in the instructions.
c) In addition to compliance with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement transmission requirements, the LiveScan service providers will need the following information in order for the Department to receive the results appropriately. Failure to submit this information may result in the Department's inability to obtain screening results:
- Full Name
- Individual's Address
- Social Security Number (if the SSN is not included, the results will not appear on the Department's Results website)
- Date of Birth
- Race
- Sex
- Height
- Weight
- Employer Name
- Employer Address (address information should be separated by commas: street, city, state, zip)
Where do I get the ORI number to submit to the vendor?
If you apply online, there is a form that you must print out that will have your ORI number prepopulated. In the paper application, you can locate your ORI number in the instructions.
How does the electronic fingerprinting process actually work?
In the traditional method of fingerprinting, ink is applied to each of your fingers which are then rolled across a fingerprint card to obtain your prints. With electronic fingerprinting, there is no ink or card. Your fingerprints are rolled across a glass plate and scanned. It is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. Electronic fingerprinting reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and will reduce the overall application processing time.
How much does electronic fingerprinting cost?
The total fee charged by each service provider varies. Please contact the service provider to obtain this information. The fingerprint results are usually received by the Department two to four days after your fingerprints are scanned. You can view the service provider options and contact information on the LiveScan Service Providers List
What do I need to bring with me to the Florida electronic fingerprinting site?
All applicants will be required to bring two (2) forms of identification to the electronic fingerprinting site on the day of fingerprinting. One of the two types of identification must bear your picture and signature such as a driver's license, state identification card or passport.
I submitted my fingerprint through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement approved service provider, but I have now received a deficiency letter regarding my fingerprints? What should I do?
As of the date of the mailing of the deficiency letter, your electronic fingerprinting results have not been transmitted to the Department. We will not be able to process your application until we have received this information. You should contact your fingerprint service provider to determine if they have submitted the prints to the FDLE for processing. You can view the service provider options and contact information on the LiveScan Service Providers List
Applicants should submit their applications prior to submitting their fingerprints in order to afford themselves an opportunity to resolve any application deficiencies prior to the expiration of the criminal history results.
What should I do if I am notified my electronic fingerprints were illegible?
The electronic fingerprint scanning machines are equipped to determine if your fingerprints scanned successfully; however, if it is determined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that your prints were not legible, we will send you a notification letter asking you to go back to the same service provider that did your initial prints and schedule a re-roll of your prints. You will be required to bring the notification letter with you as information such as the TCN (Transaction Control Number) and TCR (Transaction Control Reference) must be identified and used at the time of the reroll. You will be responsible for any costs associated with the re-roll of your fingerprints.
What kind of assistance can the DOH provide if I have problems with a LiveScan service provider?
As an applicant, you have the choice to select a service provider approved by the FDLE. Since DOH does not approve or regulate LiveScan service providers, you will be fully responsible for the fingerprint submission and for ensuring that the prints have been timely submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The DOH retrieves the fingerprint results from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement electronically. We suggest that you ask the service provider for a receipt showing payment date and other pertinent information in case you need to go back to them for assistance.
What do I need to know if I do not have a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number is not required for Livescan. You can find a list of providers who provide this service on the Department’s website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/LSServiceProviders.html#L. Please note: If you are an applicant located outside of the U.S., you will need to contact a Livescan service provider who has the capability to convert a traditional (hard card) into an electronic fingerprint card. To obtain an electronic copy of the fingerprint card, please visit the FBI’s website at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258.
Is there a different process for out of state applicants? What about applicants from out of the country?
Out of state and out of the country applicants are still required to submit their fingerprints electronically. There are national Livescan service providers, such as L1 Identity Solutions, Fieldprint, and National Fingerprint, Inc. which can assist out-of-state applicants. You can obtain a hard fingerprint card from the FBIs website at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258 or by contacting your board office. Starting January 1, 2013, the Florida Department of Health retains fingerprints on any applicant who is required to undergo a criminal history screening in the Care Provider Clearinghouse. This Clearinghouse allows for the sharing of criminal history information among specified agencies. One of the requirements for the Clearinghouse is a photograph taken at time of fingerprinting, therefore, if your fingerprints are submitted without a photograph, you may have to undergo additional fingerprinting in the future when applying at a different agency.
What happens if my photograph is not taken at time of fingerprinting?
Because the Florida Department of Health retains fingerprints on any applicant who is required to undergo a criminal history screening starting January 1, 2013, those prints are retained in the Care Provider Clearinghouse. This Clearinghouse allows for the sharing of criminal history information among specified agencies. One of the requirements for the Clearinghouse is a photograph taken at time of fingerprinting. If your fingerprints are submitted without a photograph, you may have to undergo additional fingerprinting in the future.
Who can attend board meetings?
All board meetings are open to the public.
How can I get a board meeting agenda?
To find out how to obtain a board meeting agenda, go to your board/profession webpage, and click on the “Board Meeting Information” button.
How can I get information on initial license requirements?
You can obtain information on initial licensure requirements by visiting your board/profession webpage. Select your profession then click on the “Applicant Information” link.
Where can I download application materials?
You can obtain application materials by visiting your board/profession webpage. Select your profession then click on the “Applicant Information” link.
Where should I mail my application and licensure fees?
Mail your application and fees to:
Department of Health
Post office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330.
What crimes or license discipline must be reported on an application?
An applicant must report all convictions, guilty pleas, and nolo contendere pleas, except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs and alcohol. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI). Applicants must report crimes even if they are a suspended imposition of sentence. They must report all prior or current disciplinary actions against any professional license that they have held, whether in Florida or another state or territory.
Can a person get a license if they have a misdemeanor or felony crime on their record?
Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Each board considers the nature and severity of offenses, as well as rehabilitation and other factors. A board cannot approve or deny a license without evaluating an applicant’s entire application and supporting documents.
Do I have to report charges if I completed a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?
Yes. You must report offenses to the board even if you received a suspended imposition of sentence and the record is now considered closed.
What types of documents do I need to submit to support my application if I have a prior criminal record or license discipline?
- If you have a criminal record, you must submit certified official court documents related to your criminal record, showing the date(s) and circumstance(s) surrounding your arrest(s)/conviction(s), sections of the law violated, and disposition of the case(s). Documents would normally consist of a complaint or indictment, a judgment, a docket sheet, or other documents showing disposition of your case. Some courts refer to these documents as an order of probation. A court clerk must certify these court documents before we can accept them.
- If you have received discipline against any license that you have held, you must submit certified copies of the documents related to the disciplinary action taken. The documents must come from the agency that took the disciplinary action and must be certified by that agency.
- You must submit a detailed description of circumstances
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any questions about renewing your license, call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (excluding state holidays).
| MISSION: | To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts. |
| VISION: | To be the Healthiest State in the Nation |
| PURPOSE: | To protect the public and make Florida the healthiest state in the nation through health care licensure, enforcement, and information. |
| FOCUS: | To be the nation's leader in quality health care regulation. |
| VALUES: | I CARE (Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, Excellence) |
