Volunteer Health Services Program

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Overview

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) administers the Volunteer Health Services Program in the Division of Health Access and Tobacco.  The program supports the department's volunteer efforts in eleven regions throughout the state.  A DOH volunteer coordinator is assigned to each region.  Regional coordinators work with DOH entities, community, and faith based health care providers to promote access to quality health care for the medically underserved and uninsured residents of Florida through the commitment of volunteers.

The Volunteer Health Services Program accomplishes its role through two volunteer programs authorized by Chapters 110 and 776, Florida Statutes.

The Chapter 110 volunteer program, an internal state agency program, provides opportunities for anyone who wants to donate goods and/or their services to those in need under the supervision of the Department of Health.  A variety of volunteer opportunities are available in many DOH facilities to individuals with clerical, administrative, technical and professional skills.

The Volunteer Health Care Provider Program, s. 766.1115, F.S., allows private licensed health care providers to volunteer their services to the medically indigent residents of Florida with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and be under the state's sovereign immunity.  Through a contract, a provider can be designated an "agent of the state" and have sovereign immunity for uncompensated services rendered to clients determined eligible and referred by DOH.  Under this program, providers have the option to volunteer in freestanding clinics or to see eligible clients in their private offices or corporate facilities.

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