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- Background Checks
- Fees/Refunds
- Financial Responsibility
- Licensure
- Mail/Faxes
- NICA
- Office Surgery Registration and Inspection Program
- Expert Witness
| Background Checks | |
| Q: | How long does the background check take? |
| A: | The process takes 48 hours. |
| Q: | Is it possible to expedite the background check? |
| A: | Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the process. However, we now have scanners that allow us to scan the fingerprint cards and submit them electronically. This significantly shortens the waiting period. |
| Q: | Can I call the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) about the status of my background check? |
| A: | Neither the FBI nor the FDLE will be able to assist you. If you have any questions regarding your background check, please contact our office at (850) 245-4131. |
| Q: | Where should I submit my fingerprints? |
| A: | Please visit the Fingerprint Registration Site to register your demographic information. Once registered, you have the option of purchasing fingerprint cards ($4.00 for regular mail or $10.00 for priority mail). When you have completed your registration, a bar code receipt will be generated online. Print the receipt and mail your completed fingerprint cards to Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C-03, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253. |
| Q: | Do I have to purchase fingerprint cards from the Florida Board of Medicine? |
| A: | No. You are not required to purchase fingerprint cards from the Board of Medicine. However, you must make sure that the law enforcement agency or other agency you choose to roll your fingerprints uses a FD-258 Applicant Fingerprint Card (white card with blue ink). If the FD-258 is not used, your fingerprints will not be accepted, you will be required to have another set rolled, and your application will be delayed. If you choose not to purchase the fingerprint cards, you should still register your demographic information at the Fingerprint Registration Site. When you have completed your registration, a bar code receipt will be generated online. Print the receipt and mail your completed fingerprint cards to Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C-03, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253. |
| Q: | What information is required on the fingerprint cards? |
| A: | Your name, social security number, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, place of birth, and current residence are required. |
| Q: | Where do I go to have my fingerprints taken? |
| A: | You may get your fingerprints taken at any law enforcement location. Some hospitals or schools may also offer fingerprinting |
| Q: | Am I still required to have my fingerprints taken if I hold a license in another state? |
| A: | Yes, you are still required to undergo a Florida background check even if you hold a license in another state. |
| Q: | Do you accept electronically scanned fingerprints? |
| A: | Yes. Some police stations can electronically scan your fingerprints to the fingerprint cards, which you would then mail to us. (We do not accept fingerprints by fax or e-mail.) |
| Q: | Can I hand-deliver my fingerprint cards to you? |
| A: | Yes. You may bring your fingerprint cards to our office located at 4042 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253. |
| Q: | What happens if my fingerprints are rejected? |
| A: | We will request that you have your fingerprints taken again. |
| Q: | If my fingerprints are rejected, do I have to pay another background check fee? |
| A: | No, you are not required to pay another fee. |
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| Fees/Refunds: | |
| Q: | Where should I send payment for my fees (application fee, background check fee, license fee, and NICA fee)? |
| A: | Please send your payment to Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330. |
| Q: | If I reapply for licensure after my application expires, will the fees apply to my new application? |
| A: | Only the initial license fee and the NICA fee will be applied to the new application. The application fee and the background check fee will not be applied to the new application. |
| Q: | Will I get a refund if I am not approved for licensure? |
| A: | We will refund your license fee and NICA fee. However, you will not receive a refund for your application fee or background check fee. |
| Q: | Will I get a refund if my application expires? |
| A: | You will get a refund for the initial license fee and the Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee. However, you will not receive a refund for the application fee or the background check fee. |
| Q: | I overpaid years ago. Can I still get a refund? |
| A: | Yes, if the overpayment was made less than three years ago. There is a three year statute of limitation for refunds. |
| Q: | How do I request a refund? |
| A: | You must submit your request in writing. Mail your request to Board of Medicine, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253. You may also fax your request to (850) 412-1268. |
| Q: | How long will it take to receive my refund? |
| A: | It can take up to four weeks to receive your refund. |
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| Financial Responsibility: You are required to provide the Board of Medicine with information regarding your financial responsibility:
You may also review the following Florida Statutes for more information regarding financial responsibility requirements:
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| Q: | What is Financial Responsibility? |
| A: | The kind of insurance coverage you have at the time you are filling out your licensure application or renewal. |
| Q: | Am I required to have professional liability coverage? |
| A: | No. For more information regarding other financial responsibility options or exemptions, please see s. 458.320, F.S., and s. 459.0085, F.S. |
| Q: | Do I need a bond of any kind? |
| A: | There is no bond required. You may choose to demonstrate financial responsibility with an irrevocable letter of credit or an escrow account. |
| Q: | Can I select more than one option for my financial responsibility? |
| A: | No, you must select the one option that best describes your current financial responsibility situation. |
| Q: | Am I required to send you a copy of my professional liability coverage policy? |
| A: | You may be required to produce a copy of your policy if you are audited by the Licensing and Auditing Services Unit. However, you are not required to send a copy of your policy when applying for initial licensure. |
| Q: | Am I required to inform the Board of Medicine if my professional liability coverage is changed or cancelled? |
| A: | Yes. To report a change in your financial responsibility status, please print and fill out the Florida Financial Responsibility form (pdf - 33kb). Mail the completed form to Board of Medicine, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253. You may also fax the form to us at (850) 412-1268. |
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| Licensure: | |
| Q: | Where do I send my application? |
| A: | Please mail your application to Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314-6330. |
| Q: | Can I send letters of recommendation with my application? |
| A: | Yes. You may send letters of recommendation with your application. |
| Q: | Where should I send my required supporting documents? |
| A: | Please mail all required supporting documents to Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C03, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-3253. |
| Q: | Do I have to send all of my documents to the Board at the same time? |
| A: | No. You are not required to send in all of your documents at the same time. However, we encourage you to send as much information as possible to help expedite the licensure process. |
| Q: | Are documents required to be notarized? |
| A: | No. Documents are not required to be notarized. Q. Where should I send payment for my fees (application fee, background check fee, license fee, and NICA fee)? |
| A: | Please send your payment to Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330. |
| Q: | Can I submit one check for all fees? |
| A: | Yes. You may submit one check to cover all fees. |
| Q: | Who is eligible for the reduced license fee? |
| A: | You are eligible for the reduced license fee if you are currently in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training program or fellowship training program that leads to subspecialty certification. NOTE: As a result of paying the reduced fee, your license will reflect an "In-Training" status. |
| Q: | Have you received my documents? |
| A: | We will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application. You will receive your first notice which will include your user ID and pass code so you may also check the status of your application via our Online Application Status Check. |
| Q: | What happens to my documents if you receive them before I submit my application? |
| A: | Your documents will be placed in our repository database system until we receive your application. |
| Q: | How can I expedite the licensure process? |
| A: | You can expedite the licensure process by submitting all documents outlined in the application. If you are contacted by the Board staff to submit further documentation, please submit the documentation as soon as possible to Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253. |
| Q: | How long will it take to receive the printed copy of my license? |
| A: | Upon licensure approval, your license number will be issued within seven to ten days. Please allow at least two to three weeks after approval to receive your printed license. |
| Q: | Can I get a temporary license? |
| A: | Yes, When using our Online Application Status Check, you will be notified on-screen when you application is approved and can print a temporary license. (make Online Application Status Check a link to that application) |
| Q: | Can I be granted an extension on an application after it has expired? |
| A: | No. The Board of Medicine does not grant extensions on expired applications. |
| Q: | Can I get a refund if I withdraw my application? |
| A: | We will refund your license fee and NICA fee. However, you will not receive a refund for your application fee or background check fee. |
| Q: | Am I required to pay the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee? |
| A: | You are required to pay the NICA fee unless you meet the following exemption criteria per s. 766.314, F.S.:
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| Q: | Am I required to show verification of an expired or past medical license? |
| A: | Yes. You must request verification of all current and/or expired medical licenses be sent directly to our office when applying for a medical license in the State of Florida. |
| Q: | What is required as proof of training? |
| A: | A copy of your postgraduate training certificate(s) is required as proof of training. We will also accept a letter from the current program director/chairman, addressed to the Florida Board of Medicine, listing the beginning and ending dates of training and post graduate year level(s) completed. |
| Q: | Who should complete my Post-Graduate Training Evaluation and staff privilege forms? |
| A: | You should send a Post-Graduate Training Evaluation form to each institution where you did internship, residency or fellowship training and the staff privilege form to any hospitals where you have current staff privileges. The training evaluation form should be signed by the current program chairman or director. The staff privilege verification form should be completed by the Chief of Staff. |
| Q: | I am an International Medical Graduate and did my core clerkships in the US but didn't do my core clerkship in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved programs. Are they still acceptable? |
| A: | No. However, you will satisfy this deficiency after you have three years of training in one specialty area. Please reviewRule 64B8-4.018, F.A.C. for further details. |
| Q: | I took my exams a long time ago. Am I required to take them again? |
| A: | An unrestricted medical license in Florida requires one of the following examinations:
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| Q: | What if my documents no longer exist? |
| A: | You may be required to file a Petition for Waiver/Variance and meet with the Board at a Credentials Committee meeting. Please contact the Board at (850) 245-4131 for further information. |
| Q: | The school/institution I attended no longer exists and I am unable to obtain copies of my school transcripts. What do I do? |
| A: | Send details regarding the closure of your school/institution with your application. Please include the following:
|
| Q: | I am unable to obtain required documents from Cuba. What do I do? |
| A: | Send details regarding your attempts to obtain documents from Cuba with your application. Please include the following:
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| Q: | I appeared before the Credentials Committee. What should I do now? |
| A: | Unless otherwise instructed, please submit the information required by the Credentials Committee and wait for the Board to approve your license at the next available Board meeting. |
| Q: | Do you accept credentialing verification from Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS)? |
| A: | Yes. The Florida Board of Medicine accepts credentialing verification from FCVS. |
| Q: | What will Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS) provide to the Board? |
| A: | FCVS obtains and provides primary source verification of medical education, postgraduate training, licensure examination history, board action history, board certification, identity, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification, and ECFMG Certification Status Report. Although FCVS will assist with the licensure process, you are not required to use their services. For more information about FCVS, please visit their website. |
| Q: | Does Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS) verify undergraduate education? |
| A: | No. FCVS does not verify undergraduate education. |
| Q: | If I use the Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS), will it expedite the licensure process? |
| A: | Yes. If FCVS has completed the credentials verification of your core credentials, it will expedite the licensure process. |
| Q: | What criminal offenses am I required to report to the Board? |
| A: | You are required to report all criminal offenses to the Board. You must know and comply with the following laws and rules as they pertain to your profession:
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| 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. | |
| Q: | Do I have to report any criminal activities after I receive my medical license? |
| A: | Yes. You are required to report all criminal activities after you receive your medical license. You may report the criminal offense(s) online via Online Services, by e-mail (Licensure_Services@doh.state.fl.us), or by mail to Florida Department of Health, Licensing and Auditing Services Unit, Bin #C-10, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3267. If reporting by e-mail or mail, provide the date of the offense, a description of the crime, and the county and state of jurisdiction. |
| Q: | How many times can I take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)? |
| A: | There is no limit on attempt and there is no limit on the amount of time it takes you to complete the test. |
| Q: | What is Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification and what is an ECFMG Status Report? |
| A: | Medical schools outside the United States and Canada vary in their educational standards and curricula. The purpose of ECFMG Certification is to assess the readiness of international medical graduates to enter U.S. residency and fellowship programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). To be certified by ECFMG, you must pass a series of exams and must also fulfill ECFMG's medical education credential requirements. These requirements include providing ECFMG with copies of your medical education credentials, which ECFMG will verify directly with your medical school(s). Additionally, your medical school must be listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). The ECFMG Certification Status Report will confirm your certification status and is required for all international medical graduates seeking licensure in the State of Florida. For more information regarding ECFMG, please visit their website or contact them at (215) 386-5900. |
| Q: | Is ECFMG Certification required? |
| A: | ECFMG Certification is required of all international medical graduates seeking licensure in the State of Florida. |
| Q: | How can I find out if my medical school is listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED)? |
| A: | You may search IMED's database online or contact them at (215) 823-2105. If your school is not listed in the IMED database, please contact the Board of Medicine at (850) 245-4131. |
| Q: | My medical school is not listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). How can I get it listed? |
| A: | Contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) at (215) 386-5900 to learn about certification requirements. |
| Q: | Why does my license show an "In-Training" status when I am not In-Training any longer? How can I get the "In-Training" status removed from my license? |
| A: | If you were In-Training at the time of your application, your license will show an "In-Training" status. Also, if you paid the reduced license fee, your license will show an "In-Training" status. To remove the "In-Training" status, please either send a copy of your completion certificate or a letter from your Program Director stating you have completed your training program or pay the full fees, including the Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee. |
| Q: | Does "In-Training" status limit my scope of practice? |
| A: | No. It does not limit your scope of practice, but it might limit where you can be employed. Some facilities will not hire doctors with the "In-Training" status on their license. |
| Q: | How do I get a DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) number? |
| A: | Please contact the DEA at (800) 882-9539 or visit their website. Q. Is a DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) number required to write prescriptions for controlled substances in the State of Florida? |
| A: | Yes. A DEA number is required to write prescriptions for controlled substances in the State of Florida. Please contact the DEA at (800) 882-9539 or visit their website. |
| Q: | Do you have to be licensed in Florida to parctice alternative medicine such as Naturopathy or Homeopathy? |
| A: | The definition of "practice of medicine" is listed in s. 458.305, Florida Statutes: the diagnosis, treatment, operation, or prescription for any human disease, pain, injury, deformity or other physical or mental condition. Only physicians licensed in Florida can include or offer alternative medicine to their patients. |
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| Mail/Faxes | |
| Q: | Have you received my documents? |
| A: | We will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application. You will receive your first notice which will include your user ID and pass code so you may also check the status of your application via our Online Application Status Check. |
| Q: | Can I mail my application directly to the board office? |
| A: | Please do not mail your application to the board office. To avoid processing delays, please mail your application to Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330. |
| Q: | Will you accept copies of required supporting documents? |
| A: | We accept copies of documents that are not required to be submitted directly to us from the original source. For example, we will accept copies of school transcripts. Please refer to your application instructions for details. |
| Q: | Can I fax the required supporting documents? |
| A: | We only accept faxes of documents that are not required to be submitted directly to us from the original source. For example, we will accept faxes of school transcripts. Please refer to your application instructions for details. |
| Q: | Where do I send supporting documents for my application? |
| A: | Please send supporting documents to Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253. |
| Q: | Can I send my application and/or required supporting documents by overnight mail? |
| A: | You may send your application to our post office box by overnight mail via the United States Postal Service (USPS). All other documents may be sent directly to the Board office via the overnight carrier of your choice. However, because all mail is received by a central mailroom, your overnight package may not be delivered to the Board office until the following day. Send applications to: Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330 Send all other documents to: Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253 |
| Q: | Where should I send payment for my fees (application fee, background check fee, license fee, and NICA fee)? |
| A: | Please send your payment to Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330. |
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| NICA | |
| Q: | What is NICA? |
| A: | NICA stands for Neurological Injury Compensation Association. The Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association was created by the Florida Legislature in 1988. NICA is a statutory organization that manages the Florida Birth Related Neurological Injury Compensation plan which is used to pay for the care of infants born with certain neurological injuries. This plan is available to eligible families statewide without litigation by eliminating costly legal proceedings, and through professional management of its disbursements. NICA ensures the birth-injured infants receive the care they need while reducing the financial burden on medical providers and families. |
| Q: | Why do I have to pay the Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee? |
| A: | Unless you qualify for a NICA exemption (s. 766.314, F.S.), you are required to pay the NICA fee per Florida law. For more information regarding NICA, please see s. 766.301, F.S., through s. 766.316, F.S. |
| Q: | Who is exempt from the Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee? |
| A: | You are exempt from paying the NICA fee if you meet the following exemption criteria per s. 766.314, F.S.:
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| Q: | What happens if I don't pay the Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) fee? |
| A: | NICA will refer you to a collection agency and allow you time to pay. Failure to pay will result in NICA entering a judgment against you. If a judgment is issued, you will be unable to renew your medical license. |
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| Back to Top Expert Witnesses | |
| Q: | How can I become an expert for the Board of Medicine? |
| A: | Read this document to learn how |
| Q: | Where do I apply for Expert Witness Certification as an out-of-state expert? |
| A: | The application is now available online at the following address: https://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/DOHInitialApp/login.aspx |
| MISSION: | To protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state |
| and community efforts, including cooperative agreements with counties. | |
| VISION: | A healthier future for the people of Florida. |
| PURPOSE: | To protect the public through health care licensure, enforcement and information. |
| FOCUS: | To be the nation's leader in quality health care regulation. |
| VALUES: | Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, & Empowerment. |
