Latest News

Hurricane Milton: Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

Posted on October 6, 2024

On October 6, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-215, Emergency Management Continue reading

Become a Volunteer

Posted on September 16, 2024

Volunteers are vital to the Florida Department of Health’s mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through community efforts. Continue reading

Massage Establishment Inspection Workshop

Posted on June 27, 2024

We invite you to attend a Massage Establishment Workshop hosted by the Department of Health and Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Continue reading

A New Licensure Experience for Health Care Practitioners

Posted on May 15, 2024

E-licensing demonstrates the commitment of the Department to expedite
licensure and verification processes. Learn more by clicking here! Continue reading

2024 Bills Impacting Health Care Professions

Posted on May 1, 2024

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2024 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

Announcement

Posted on December 14, 2023

MQA Online Services will be unavailable from Friday, December 15, at 6:00 PM to December 17, at 12:00 PM EST. Continue reading

Announcing the FY 2022-23 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan

Posted on November 1, 2023

An annual publication showcasing trends and information about Florida’s health care regulatory landscape. Continue reading

License Renewal Deadline Extensions

Posted on August 31, 2023

The S.S.G. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, issued Department of Health Emergency Order 23-002 in support of Governor Ron DeSantis’ declared State of Emergency due to Hurricane Idalia. Continue reading

Hurricane Idalia: Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

Posted on August 27, 2023

On August 26, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Idalia. Continue reading

Important Information on Fraudulent Emails to Practitioners

Posted on August 1, 2023

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent emails that have been received by multiple licensees. Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on June 28, 2023

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2023 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

A New Licensure Experience for Health Care Practitioners

Posted on June 22, 2023

e-Licensing demonstrates the commitment of the Department to expedite licensure and verification processes. Watch the webinar, download the toolkit, or learn more by clicking here! Continue reading

2023 Annual Long-Range Planning Meeting

Posted on December 21, 2022

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance has announced the 2023 Annual Long-Range Planning meeting. Click here for more information. Continue reading

Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Subtropical Storm Nicole

Posted on November 7, 2022

On Monday, November 7, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Subtropical Storm Nicole. Continue reading

2021-2022 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released 

Posted on October 31, 2022

The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-22 has been published. Click here for more information. Continue reading

Hometown Heroes

Posted on October 12, 2022

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is proud to highlight the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program. Continue reading

Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian

Posted on September 23, 2022

On Friday, September 23, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Hurricane Ian. Continue reading

Fourth Quarter Performance Report

Posted on September 2, 2022

Released for the
2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading

Website Server Maintenance Notice

Posted on July 5, 2022

Please be aware of website server maintenance for MQA Websites beginning Friday, July 8th at 5:00PM EST. Click here for more information. Continue reading

Third Quarter Performance Report

Posted on June 14, 2022

Released for the
2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading

Establishment Owners and Designated Establishment Managers

Posted on May 23, 2022

A step-by-step guide to viewing and updating your DEM status online. Click here for more information. Continue reading

Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines

Posted on April 14, 2022

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in some areas of Florida. Continue reading

Second Quarter Performance Report

Posted on April 12, 2022

Released for the
2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading

CE Requirements Update – Hands-on by Distance

Posted on February 2, 2022

Information for massage therapists and continuing education providers about “relevant to and focused on massage therapy techniques, skills or protocols” courses required for renewal. Continue reading

 

Posted on December 8, 2021

Healthier You is a one-stop shop for Floridians to access resources to promote a healthy lifestyle. Please click here for more information. Continue reading

First Quarter Performance Report

Posted on November 30, 2021

Released for the
2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading

The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released for Fiscal Year 2020-21

Posted on November 1, 2021

The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2020-21
is now online. Continue reading

Fourth Quarter Performance Report

Posted on October 14, 2021

Released for the
2020-21 Fiscal Year Continue reading

Newly Licensed Florida Practitioners Search Tool

Posted on July 29, 2021

Click here to access data on recently licensed Health Care Practitioners and Facilities
  Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on June 29, 2021

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2021 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

Third Quarter Performance Report

Posted on June 9, 2021

Released for the
2020-21 Fiscal Year Continue reading

Second Quarter Performance Report

Posted on March 4, 2021

Released for Fiscal Year
2020-2021 Continue reading

Welcome our new employee!

Posted on January 15, 2021

ELI is the new artificial intelligence system that will be transforming customer service through online chat. Continue reading

First Quarter Performance Report

Posted on December 29, 2020

Released for Fiscal Year
2020-2021
Continue reading

Massage Establishment – Signs and Reporting Procedure

Posted on December 9, 2020

Statutory requirements to take effect
January 1, 2021 Continue reading

Potential Spam Alert

Posted on November 18, 2020

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent calls that have been received by multiple licensees. Continue reading

The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released for Fiscal Year 2019-2020

Posted on October 30, 2020

The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
is now online. Continue reading

Board Approved Massage Schools – Distance Learning – Update

Posted on July 15, 2020

In response to the ongoing public health emergency created by COVID-19, and in light of issues raised by the requirement for in-person classroom hour instruction and the advisements of the CDC, Department of Health, and Department of Education concerning social … Continue reading

System Maintenance Notice

Posted on July 14, 2020

Please be aware of system maintenance beginning Friday, July 24th at 6:30PM EST until Monday, July 27 at 6:00AM EST. Click here for more information. Continue reading

Important Massage Therapy Updates for Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19)

Posted on May 28, 2020

On May 27, 2020, the Florida Department of Health issued “Important Massage Therapy Updates for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)” by email to all massage therapists and establishments in Florida. This update contains information and links which answer common questions about … Continue reading

New Coronavirus: COVID-19

Posted on February 17, 2020

The Florida Department of Health (Department) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the current outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus. Continue reading

First Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year

Posted on December 16, 2019

The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

Hepatitis A Public Health Emergency

Posted on December 3, 2019

Florida, like other parts of the United States, is experiencing a Public Health Emergency as a result of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Click here for more information. Continue reading

Annual Report & Long-Range Plan Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year

Posted on October 29, 2019

The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year is now available to view online. Continue reading

Scam Calls

Posted on September 25, 2019

Click here for more information regarding scam calls for license holders claiming to be with the Florida Board. Continue reading

Executive Orders Issued By Governor DeSantis

Posted on August 30, 2019

On August 28, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Florida, for Hurricane Dorian. Continue reading

Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year

Posted on August 23, 2019

The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

Human Trafficking

Posted on July 10, 2019

Click here for new profession requirements and reporting procedures regarding Human Trafficking Continue reading

Telehealth

Posted on July 1, 2019

Click here for information on the new law that sets standards of practice and authorizes out-of-state health care practitioners to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida. Continue reading

Third Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year

Posted on June 14, 2019

The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

Board Chairs/Vice Chairs Annual Long-range Planning Meeting

Posted on June 12, 2019

The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2019. Please click here for more information. Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on May 16, 2019

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2019 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

Temporary Delay in Printing of Licenses

Posted on January 18, 2019

We are currently experiencing a temporary delay in printing and mailing the hard copy of your license. Please click here for more information. Continue reading

Annual Report & Long-Range Plan Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

Posted on November 1, 2018

The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year is now available to view online. Continue reading

Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

Posted on October 1, 2018

The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

Third Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

Posted on June 8, 2018

The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on April 17, 2018

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2018 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

First Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year

Posted on April 15, 2018

The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year

Posted on March 14, 2018

The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2016-2017 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading

DEA Warns Public of Extortion Scam by DEA Special Agent Impersonators

Posted on January 29, 2018

The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as DEA Special Agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme. Continue reading

Board Chairs/Vice Chairs Annual Long-range Planning Meeting

Posted on January 10, 2018

The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018. Please click here for more information. Continue reading

Healthiest Weight Webinar: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 10:00a.m.

Posted on November 3, 2017

Chronic Disease Prevention: A Public Health Perspective. Please click for details on how to register for this webinar. Continue reading

Endorsement Options for Evacuees from Puerto Rico

Posted on November 2, 2017

The Board of Massage Therapy has important updates for applicants from Puerto Rico who are seeking expedited licensure and work authorization in Florida. Continue reading

Fingerprint Retention Requirements

Posted on September 27, 2017

Florida statute requires individuals who were fingerprinted on or after Jan. 1, 2013 to have their background results retained in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Continue reading

Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Hurricane Irma

Posted on September 13, 2017

Due to impacts from Hurricane Irma, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida Continue reading

Third Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) Released

Posted on August 2, 2017

The QPR contains revenue, expenditure and performance measure information from the Department of Health. Continue reading

2017 Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on July 20, 2017

Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2017 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading

Telehealth

Posted on July 18, 2017

The use of telehealth technology by Florida licensed healthcare practitioners for the purpose of providing patient care within the state of Florida is not precluded by Florida law. Continue reading

Changes to the Massage Practice Act

Posted on October 7, 2016

During the 2016 Legislative session, CS/HB 545 passed, which made changes to the Massage Practice Act. These changes update a list of convictions sometimes referred to as “crimes related to the practice,” and generally relate to human trafficking, sexual misconduct, … Continue reading

Important Notice Due to Hurricane Matthew

Posted on October 5, 2016

Due to impacts from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida Continue reading

Board Chairs, Vice Chairs & Associations’ Meeting Announcement

Posted on September 9, 2016

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) announces the following meetings: Continue reading

A Tool to Report Health Care Provider Complaints

Posted on July 19, 2016

The Complaint Portal is a way for consumers to find the correct agency to submit health care complaints in an electronic and secure format. Continue reading

FREE Webinars Now Available

Posted on July 19, 2016

Learn how to add your license to your Online Services Portal account or report your continuing education/continuing medical education (CE/CME) requirements. Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on July 12, 2016

During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 221 passed and was signed into law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-222, Laws of Florida. The bill prohibits an out-of-network provider from balance billing members of a preferred provider organization (PPO) or … Continue reading

Board of Massage Therapy Attends FSMTA Annual Convention and Trade Show June 22-26, 2016

Posted on June 30, 2016

Pictured from left to right, Alexandra Alday, Sidronio “Chilo” Casas, and Lydia Nixon The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) held its annual convention and trade show in Orlando, FL from June 22-26, 2016. Both Lydia Nixon, Board Chair, and … Continue reading

Board Mourns Tragedy in Orlando, Gives Thanks to Health Care Responders

Posted on June 17, 2016

As we mourn the tragic events that occurred in Orlando over the weekend, the Division of Medical Quality Assurance joins friends and colleagues in Central Florida and across the state to thank the dedicated health care professionals who have so … Continue reading

New Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted on June 9, 2016

During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 1175 passed and became law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-234, Laws of Florida. Starting July 1, 2016, health care practitioners are required to provide a good faith estimate of anticipated charges to … Continue reading

New Human Trafficking Awareness Sign Requirement

Posted on March 18, 2016

During the 2015 Legislative session, CS/HB 369 passed, which requires certain employers to display public human traffic awareness signs. Continue reading

Recognizing Depression among Health Care Practitioners

Posted on February 26, 2016

Recognize when every-day stressors lead to burnout or depression. Learn more about self-care strategies and how to get help by clicking here. Continue reading

ANNOUNCEMENT: MQA Online Services

Posted on February 25, 2016

Services will be unavailable on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern Standard Time for system upgrades. Continue reading

A New and Improved Search Portal

Posted on February 25, 2016

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is excited to announce the launch of the new and improved MQA Search Services Portal. Continue reading

MQA publishes latest quarterly report

Posted on February 24, 2016

The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and serve health care consumers. In an effort to update MQA’s 22 health care provider … Continue reading

Innovative Tool to Keep Adults on Schedule for Good Health

Posted on January 12, 2016

Adults are encouraged to discuss their health screenings and immunization schedule with their health care professionals Continue reading

Continuing Education App and Electronic Tracking System

Posted on January 11, 2016

Tracking your CE hours can be a hassle, and we’re here to help you along the way. You can self-report with a free App and select from over 3,000 accredited providers… Continue reading

Massage Therapy (MT) Renewal Due August 31, 2015

Posted on June 25, 2015

If the MT does not have the hours to report by August 31, 2015, the license will move to a delinquent status at expiration. Register for a webinar today at www.FLHealthSource.gov. Continue reading

Board Chairs, Vice Chairs & Associations’ Meeting Announcement

Posted on June 10, 2015

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces its annual Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations’ meeting. Continue reading

FBOMT Invites You to Participate in a Rules Workshop

Posted on June 10, 2015

The Florida Board of Massage Therapy requests your participation in a rules workshop to address the future of massage therapy education. The workshop will occur on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, beginning at 12:00 pm EST during the Florida Board of … Continue reading

MQA publishes latest quarterly report

Posted on May 28, 2015

The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and serve health care consumers. In an effort to update MQA’s 22 health care provider … Continue reading

“Are You Renewal Ready?” Webinar

Posted on March 12, 2015

The Florida Department of Health will now verify your continuing education records when you renew your professional license. You are invited to join a live webinar hosted by the Department of Health and the AMTA-FL for Florida Licensed Massage Therapists … Continue reading

Important Measles Update

Posted on February 27, 2015

Measles is a highly contagious disease, transmitted by respiratory aerosols when an infected person coughs or sneezes… Continue reading

Electronic Fingerprinting

Posted on January 14, 2015

During the 2014 Legislative session, a law was passed (CS/HB 1065) that will affect massage therapist and massage establishment licensure in Florida. Continue reading

Online Fingerprint Status Check

Posted on January 14, 2015

Every Massage Therapist and Massage Establishment owner* licensed in Florida MUST get their electronic fingerprint and background check completed and recorded by the Department of Health before the deadline of January 31, 2015. If you have completed your electronic fingerprint … Continue reading

Record CE/CMEs before the deadline and be renewal ready.

Posted on January 14, 2015

The Department encourages you to log in to the tracking system before applying for renewal to ensure your information is complete and accurate. Continue reading

Florida’s Healthy Promise Campaign

Posted on December 29, 2014

Healthy Promise is a campaign sponsored by the Florida Department of Health to encourage people in Florida to make more informed choices about healthy eating and active living this year. Continue reading

Florida Veteran Health Heroes

Posted on November 10, 2014

The Florida Department of Health honors and supports veterans, members of the military and their families on Veterans Day. Continue reading

Information on Ebola Virus Disease

Posted on October 17, 2014

The state of Florida is prepared to identify and treat patients who may have Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Continue reading

Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations Annual Meeting

Posted on July 15, 2014

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces the first combined Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations annual meeting Continue reading

Boards and Councils Liaison Meeting

Posted on June 13, 2014

This meeting includes a review of how the Health Care Boards and Councils
will each play an integral role in Florida’s Healthiest Weight Initiative Continue reading

School Directors/Owners: Changes to Proof of Graduation Requirements

Posted on January 31, 2014

Because of recent issues involving fraudulent transcripts used to receive massage therapist licenses, changes were made to Rule Chapter 64B7-32.002, F.A.C. and were effective December 8, 2013. 64B7-32.002 Proof of Graduation. To be acknowledged as a graduate of a Board approved massage … Continue reading

Notice to Licensees About Fraudulent Documents

Posted on December 6, 2013

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is aware that documents purportedly originating from DOH requesting information of a sensitive nature have been received by members of the public. These documents request licensees share information that may be used to commit … Continue reading

New! Florida Massage School’s Pass Rates on Approved Exams

Posted on October 23, 2013

The Board of Massage Therapy enacted a rule change to 64B7-32.003, F.A.C., to ensure the achievement of Florida approved massage therapy education program graduates. An approved program must achieve a graduate passage rate that is not lower than 10 percentage … Continue reading

The Many Reasons Why Everybody Deserves a Massage

Posted on October 23, 2013

Many view massages as rewards for a job well done, a break from the daily stress of work and routine. Though they are a great way to relax and unwind after a hectic week, massage therapy benefits can warrant much … Continue reading

Unlicensed Activity (ULA)

Posted on October 23, 2013

The Unlicensed Activity (ULA) program protects Florida residents and visitors from the potentially serious and dangerous consequences of receiving medical and health care services from an unlicensed person. The ULA unit investigates and refers for prosecution all unlicensed health care … Continue reading

2013 Legislative Changes to Chapter 480, Florida Statutes

Posted on October 23, 2013

The 2013 legislative session saw the passage of House Bill 7005, and with it significant changes to massage establishment regulation. Continue reading

New! Photo Identification Requirements

Posted on October 23, 2013

Last year the board enacted a rule change to 64B7-28.008, F.A.C., Display of Licenses, requiring a 2 x 2 inch photograph of each licensed massage therapist be attached to their license. Continue reading

Florida Board of Massage Therapy wins 2013 Davis Productivity Award

Posted on October 23, 2013

The Board of Massage Therapy office has seen a drastic reduction in the number of days spent processing an application. Continue reading

The Board

Posted on May 31, 2013

The Florida Board of Massage Therapy plays a leading role in the State’s ever-changing health care environment. This is accomplished through… Continue reading

CE at Renewal – A New Approach to License Renewal

Posted on May 31, 2013

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system… Continue reading