General FAQs


General FAQs

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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. To correct the problem, you will need to first clear your browser’s cache, then close and restart the browser, which entails logging back into MQA Services to continue downloading the document. If the cache is not cleared the cached version of the document, which is likely damaged, will still appear.

Is there an additional fee for using a credit card?

No. There is no additional cost for making a credit card payment online.

I’m not receiving a response to my email inquiries?

Verify that you are using the email address: MedicalQualityAssurance@flhealth.gov Also, If you have SPAM blocker on your computer, you will not be able to receive emails from Licensure Services 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 Licensure Support Services at (850)-488-0595, for Account ID and Password renewal information.

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.

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 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 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.

How can I get a practitioner’s disciplinary history?

You can request a practitioner’s disciplinary history from our Public Records  website under Disciplinary Records.

Who can attend board meetings?

All board meetings are open to the public.

How can 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.

Governor’s Appointment Office
LL10 The Capitol
Tallahassee FL 32399-0001
(850) 488-2183

How can I get a copy of the board’s agenda?

By visiting the board’s meetings page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on either past or upcoming meetings. Review the meeting dates to locate the agenda you need, and the board’s agenda should be posted on the right under Materials.

What is the difference between License Verification and License Certification?

License Verification – Information regarding the licensure status of a practitioner. This is for use by persons or organizations that do not require a document certifying this information under seal.

Licensure Certification – Specific document certifying licensure status and disciplinary history, prepared by a representative of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance and bearing a seal. This document is generally required for applicants seeking licensure in other states and for use in court proceedings. There is a $25 fee for this service in accordance with Rule 64B-4.001, F.A.C.

Do I have to report any criminal activities after I receive my license?

You are required to report all criminal activities after you receive your license. You may report the criminal offense(s) online via Online Services, by e-mail MQAOnlineservice@flhealth.gov, or by mail:

Florida Department of Health
Licensure Support 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.

Does the department have assistance programs for impaired health care professionals?

Yes, Florida health care professionals can seek assistance for impairment through the Department’s Impaired Practitioner Programs – the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) or the Professionals Resource Network (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, Inc. (IPN)
Linda L. Smith, ARNP, M.Div, CAP
Chief Executive Officer
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: lsmith@ipnfl.org

Professionals Resource Network, Inc. (PRN)
P.O. Box 1020
Fernandina Beach
Florida 32035-1020
Toll Free: (800) 888-8PRN (8776)
Telephone Number: 904-277-8004
Fax: 904-261-3996
E-Mail: admin@flprn.org

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.

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 have profiles that list this information.

How do I contact the Board staff by email?

Due to the volume of calls we receive, it is more efficient to reach us through email. Please visit The Board page for a complete list of our staff and their email addresses.

How can I check if someone is licensed?

You may use our License Look-Up Search Screen. The best results often occur when the system receives the least amount of information. If licensee is one of our profiled professions, there will be a link at the upper right portion of the screen that says Link to Practitioner Profile. This will take you to practitioner reported information about their education, specialty certification, etc.

How do I change my mailing address with the Department?

Login to your MQA Online Services Portal account, select Request Address Change from the “Manage My License” pulldown menu, make the necessary changes and click “Submit” to complete your update.   https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal

Will the Board notify AHCA concerning its decision on my application?

Yes. After the Board has made a determination on your application for exemption, its attorney will prepare a notice indicating whether the exemption was approved or denied.The order will be also be emailed to AHCA. Upon receipt of the order, you should retain the order as proof that you were granted an exemption.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) indicates that I am unable to work in the facilities it licenses as a result of information revealed on my background screening report and that I must obtain a letter of exemption from the Board of Occupational Therapy in order to begin or resume employment in one of its facilities. How do I obtain this letter?

If AHCA notifies you that you must obtain an Exemption from Disqualification from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, as a result of your background screening report, you will need to download and complete the form provided on its website. The application should then be submitted to the Occupational Therapy Practice Board office, along with all required supporting documentation, at the following address:

Florida Department of Health
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Medical Therapies Unit/OT
4052 Bald Cypress Way
BIN C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255

Upon receipt, Board staff will review the application and documentation to ensure that all required information has been received and will place consideration of the application on the next scheduled Board meeting agenda. The Board meets on a quarterly basis. You will receive a formal meeting notice from the Board office once the application has been agendaed.

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. To correct the problem, you will need to first clear your browser’s cache, then close and restart the browser, which entails logging back into MQA Services to continue downloading the document. If the cache is not cleared the cached version of the document, which is likely damaged, will still appear.

How can I get a list of licensee information?

To obtain an electronic listing of active and inactive licensee’€™s mailing addresses and license status for DOH/MQA regulated professions use our Licensee Data Information service. Please note: The department does not maintain email addresses, fax or telephone numbers in the normal course of business.