Occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants employed or seeking employment with a health care facility licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), are required by that agency to undergo a background screening process to obtain or maintain employment in those facilities. Learn more about AHCA’s Background Screening Program.
If you have received a letter from AHCA advising you are disqualified to work in its facilities and must apply for an exemption from disqualification from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, please download and complete the Exemption Application Form provided at the Agency for HealthCare Administration’s website at: https://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Central_Services/Background_Screening/exemption.shtml
The application should then be submitted to the Department of Health Background Screening Unit along with all required supporting documentation, at the following address:
Florida Department of Health
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Bureau of Operations – Background Screening Unit
4052 Bald Cypress Way BIN BSU-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Upon receipt, the Background Screening Unit staff will review the application and documentation to ensure that all required information has been received and make a determination as to whether the exemption may be granted or require further consideration by the full Board at the next scheduled Board meeting. The Board meets on a quarterly basis. If required to appear before the Board regarding your application, you will receive a formal meeting notice from the Board office once the application has been agendaed.
Once a determination has been made on your application for exemption, notice will be provided to you and AHCA indicating whether the exemption was granted. If for any reason the exemption is denied, the Board’s attorney will prepare a formal order citing the Board’s basis for denial. The order of denial will contain information on the ability to appeal the decision.
You may contact the Department of Health’s Background Screening Unit with questions regarding the background screening process at: mqa.backgroundscreen@flhealth.gov or by phone at: (850) 488-0595, Mon – Fri, 8am -6pm. You may contact AHCA at 850-412-4503 or via e-mail at: bgscreen@ahca.myflorida.com
You may contact the Board office at 850-245-4373 or via e-mail to info@floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov with questions regarding applying for an exemption.
