PROFESSIONAL AND FACILITY LICENSURE
Florida Medicaid Updates Provider General Handbook
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) recently announced that Florida Medicaid will be updating the Provider General Handbook to requiring newly enrolling providers to have either a health care clinic license, or a certificate of exemption from licensure as a health care clinic. After the new changes are implemented, AHCA will announce its plan for existing health care providers to submit either the license or certificate of exemption. See http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/HealthCareClinic/Index.shtml.
AHCA recommends that existing health care providers who require a license and presently do not hold one immediately obtain their health care clinic license. Information on health care clinic licensure and applicable exemptions are contained in Florida Statute §408.801 et seq. and Chapter 59A-33, FL. Administrative Code.
Florida Department of Health (DOH) Professional License Renewal Process Now Includes Continued Education Review
Physicians and other providers will find a new feature when renewing their professional license. DOH, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now automatically review their continuing education records in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal to ensure compliance. If the records are current in the electronic system, physicians and other providers will be able to renew their license as usual. However, if records are not current, they will have to report their continuing education hours prior to renewing their license. Additional information is available at http://www.ceatrenewal.com/.
Reported By: Maria D. Garcia, Esq.
Revocation and $10,000 Fine for Stealing Patient Identities
An Administrative Law Judge with the Division of Administrative Hearings recently issued a Recommended Order with a recommended penalty of revocation and a fine of $10,000 against a licensed practical nurse. The Respondent was employed by Armor Correctional Health Services, Inc. as a licensed practical nurse providing services to inmates incarcerated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The Respondent was stealing the personal information of inmates and selling the information for the filing of fraudulent federal tax returns. The Respondent agreed to provide the personal information of 20 to 30 inmates per week for the filing of fraudulent tax returns in exchange for half of the proceeds of the fraudulently obtained tax refunds.
The Administrative Law Judge found the Respondent engaged in unprofessional conduct in violation of Section 464.0181(h), Florida Statutes. The Administrative Law Judge also found the Respondent had employed a trick or scheme in or related to the practice of a profession in violation of Section 456.072(1)(m), Florida Statues. The penalty guidelines provide for a fine of $10,000 for any offense involving fraud.
The licensed practical nurse has also been criminally charged with multiple counts of fraudulent use of personal information.
Reported by Michael L. Smith, Esq.