Pharmacy Technicians Allowed to Administer Immunizations After New Florida Legislation

Attorney and Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians will then be allowed to administer all vaccines listed by the CDC in the Adult Immunization Schedule or recommended by the CDC for international travel. Additionally, it includes vaccines authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization or by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in response to a state of emergency declared by the Governor.

This is a big step in medicine, once again broadening the ability of health professionals to provide more efficient and less expensive health care. In the past, properly qualified pharmacists were allowed to administer vaccines, but even then, there was a shortage.

Certification Requirements.

To become certified by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacy technician must complete six hours of approved immunization-related training. As a renewal condition, an additional two hours of approved continuing education must be completed each cycle, according to the Board of Pharmacy website. For more information, click here.

In comparison, for certification, registered pharmacists must have 20 hours of education to administer vaccines. Registered pharmacist interns (persons with five years of college) who are also under the supervision of a certified pharmacist must take the same 20-hour immunization course that the pharmacists take to become certified to administer immunizations.

While this new Florida law seems to adopt a substantial lessening in training requirements, remember the 20-hour course allows pharmacists to administer vaccines independently. The six-hour course is for pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the pharmacist’s supervision. The technician certification program or programs authorized will have to be approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in consultation with the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

Stay Informed and Prepared.

The Board of Pharmacy has the authority to adopt rules to add new vaccines as added by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it often takes many months to do so. Pharmacies and the pharmacists, pharmacist interns, and pharmacy technicians who are responsible need to monitor these situations closely.

Pharmacies should print a copy of the CDC adult immunization schedule, the CDC’s recommended vaccines for international travel, and the FDA’s list of vaccines with emergency use authorizations and have this readily available for its staff to review. They should also update this list at least once a month. This will help the pharmacy staff keep on top if either of these federal agencies, the CDC or the FDA, changes its list of immunizations. As we’ve seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping track of vaccine schedules and emergency use authorization changes can be very confusing.

Click here to read Florida HB 1209 – Administration of Vaccines, in full.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation of Pharmacists and Pharmacies.

We routinely provide legal representation to pharmacists, pharmacies, and other health professionals who have received complaints against their licenses, notices of investigations, Medicare or Medicaid audits, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) audits, investigations, subpoenas, search warrants, and orders to show cause (OSC) or who are facing formal or informal administrative hearings.

The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in both formal and informal administrative hearings and in representing physicians, physician assistants, and other health professionals in investigations and at Board of Pharmacy hearings. Call our office now at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Dix, Martin. “A Jump Forward For Fla. Pharmacy Technicians’ Vax Authority.” Law360. (August 19, 2022). Web.

Sexton, Christine. “Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy.” Florida Politics. (August 16, 2022). Web.

Dix, Martin. “Florida Legislation Authorizing Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Vaccines Contains Some Surprises.” Akerman. (July 28, 2022). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm.  The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-02-10T19:00:01-05:00February 12, 2024|Categories: Nursing Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

A Criminal Offense On Your Record Can Prevent You from Obtaining Your License in Florida

Attorney & Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Someone arrested for a criminal offense knows that it can lead to a criminal record that may or may not be on your record for the rest of your life. However, once you pay your fine and carry out any other disciplinary action the court has ordered, you expect the consequences to be over. In many cases, the arrest and offense can even be sealed or expunged so that it is no longer on your record. However, in the case of someone who desires to apply for a license in the health care field or who is already licensed, this is not the end of the consequences you will face.

For healthcare professionals, a criminal charge can mean being disqualified from obtaining a license or losing your license to practice. Conviction of certain criminal offenses may even mean exclusion from being a Medicare provider or termination from the state Medicaid Program, which can also be grounds for revoking your license. Criminal charges against a health professional can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

How Criminal Charges Impact Your Professional License.

Licensing authorities are charged by statute with protecting the general public, not the individuals they regulate. Most state laws regulating health practitioners include criminal convictions as one of the grounds for denial or discipline of a professional license. Some state laws (for example, Florida’s) allow the state licensing authority to impose discipline upon a nolo contendere (no contest) plea or even when adjudication is withheld or deferred by the court.

State regulatory authorities can and do impose discipline based on the facts underlying a conviction, even when the conviction itself is not directly related to the practice of a profession. For example, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving may raise the question with the licensing authority of whether the practitioner could be impaired or reckless while providing patient care. The licensing authority will likely investigate these matters and the facts underlying the offense to determine if the practitioner threatens the public.

Therefore, if you have been arrested for DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, or any other misdemeanor, you can anticipate that the state, the Department of Health (DOH), or the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will start an investigation. You must retain an attorney who can immediately defend your freedom during your criminal case and protect your livelihood during licensing proceedings.

Mandatory Report of Conviction of Felony or Misdemeanor Charge.

In the event of a conviction, this may trigger a required report to the state licensing board within a certain period. Some states only require a report at the time of renewal of the license. Other states require a report within thirty days of the disposition of the offense. Still others, like Florida, may have multiple actions the provider must take in such instances.

For example, certain licensed health professionals in Florida must maintain an online provider profile. Those who must maintain a profile in Florida include medical doctors, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors. State law requires that for any change in the information required on the profile (a conviction, for example), the profile must be updated within fifteen (15) days. In addition, Florida law requires a written report be made to the professional licensing board of any licensed health provider within thirty (30) days of the disposition of the offense.

Suppose you have been arrested and are facing felony or misdemeanor charges. In that case, you must seek the advice and experience of an attorney who can help you and your criminal defense attorney to analyze different outcomes to help protect your license.

Health professionals who have been arrested generally want their criminal cases resolved as quickly and quietly as possible. Unfortunately, they may inadvertently accept a plea arrangement that results in later severe discipline or revocation of their professional license. All health professionals and their criminal defense attorneys should consider the consequences of the practitioner’s license before accepting a plea arrangement and should consult with an experienced health law attorney. Click here to read one of our prior blogs for more information on this. 

Remember, your health profession is probably your only means of support. You must realize that you may need additional legal help from an experienced healthcare attorney to maintain it.

The disciplinary process is often long and extremely costly. The effects of discipline on your license can follow you for the remainder of your career and is publicly available to anyone who cares to look. If you have been arrested, it is strongly recommended that you retain an experienced healthcare attorney who can advise you and your criminal counsel on the effects of a potential outcome on your license.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Licensure Matter and Disciplinary Matters.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, mental health counselors, social workers, and other health practitioners in licensure matters. We frequently consult with criminal defense attorneys regarding defense strategies tailored to minimizing criminal sanctions while at the same time preserving the practitioner’s license.

To contact The Health Law Firm, call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

KeyWords: Health care license defense representation, professional license legal defense, representation for professional license suspension, reporting physician arrests and convictions, health care license defense attorney, medical license defense attorney, reporting criminal conviction for doctor or health professional, report arrest for physician or health professional, mental health counselor defense lawyer, representation for physician criminal charges, representation for nurse criminal charges, representation for dentist criminal charges, Department of Health (DOH) conviction report, misdemeanor offense physician lawyer, Department of Health (DOH) investigation defense attorney, DOH complaint investigation legal defense representation, DOH defense attorney, legal representation in DOH investigation, representation for license suspension, license revocation attorney, representation for health care professionals, legal representation for administrative hearing, representation for administrative appeals, The Health Law Firm reviews, reviews of The Health Law Firm attorneys, Florida health law defense attorney, Medicare exclusion defense attorney, Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion defense lawyer, legalrepesntatin in Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) health care complaint, defense of relinquishment of DEA number, DEA order to show cause (OSC) hearing attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-01-24T19:00:11-05:00January 26, 2024|Categories: Medical Education Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Florida Passes New Legislation That Allows Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations

Attorney and Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians will then be allowed to administer all vaccines listed by the CDC in the Adult Immunization Schedule or recommended by the CDC for international travel. Additionally, it includes vaccines authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization or by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in response to a state of emergency declared by the Governor.

This is a big step in medicine, once again broadening the ability of health professionals to provide more efficient and less expensive health care. In the past, properly qualified pharmacists were allowed to administer vaccines, but even then, there was a shortage.

Certification Requirements.

To become certified by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacy technician must complete six hours of approved immunization-related training. As a renewal condition, an additional two hours of approved continuing education must be completed each cycle, according to the Board of Pharmacy website. For more information, click here.

In comparison, for certification, registered pharmacists must have 20 hours of education to administer vaccines. Registered pharmacist interns (persons with five years of college) who are also under the supervision of a certified pharmacist must take the same 20-hour immunization course that the pharmacists take to become certified to administer immunizations.

While this new Florida law seems to adopt a substantial lessening in training requirements, remember the 20-hour course allows pharmacists to administer vaccines independently. The six-hour course is for pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the pharmacist’s supervision. The technician certification program or programs authorized will have to be approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in consultation with the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

Stay Informed and Prepared.

The Board of Pharmacy has the authority to adopt rules to add new vaccines as added by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it often takes many months to do so. Pharmacies and the pharmacists, pharmacist interns, and pharmacy technicians who are responsible need to monitor these situations closely.

Pharmacies should print a copy of the CDC adult immunization schedule, the CDC’s recommended vaccines for international travel, and the FDA’s list of vaccines with emergency use authorizations and have this readily available for its staff to review. They should also update this list at least once a month. This will help the pharmacy staff keep on top if either of these federal agencies, the CDC or the FDA, changes its list of immunizations. As we’ve seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping track of vaccine schedules and emergency use authorization changes can be very confusing.

Click here to read Florida HB 1209 – Administration of Vaccines, in full.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation of Pharmacists and Pharmacies.

We routinely provide legal representation to pharmacists, pharmacies, and other health professionals who have received complaints against their licenses, notices of investigations, Medicare or Medicaid audits, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) audits, investigations, subpoenas, search warrants, and orders to show cause (OSC) or who are facing formal or informal administrative hearings.

The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in both formal and informal administrative hearings and in representing physicians, physician assistants, and other health professionals in investigations and at Board of Pharmacy hearings. Call our office now at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Dix, Martin. “A Jump Forward For Fla. Pharmacy Technicians’ Vax Authority.” Law360. (August 19, 2022). Web.

Sexton, Christine. “Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy.” Florida Politics. (August 16, 2022). Web.

Dix, Martin. “Florida Legislation Authorizing Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Vaccines Contains Some Surprises.” Akerman. (July 28, 2022). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm.  The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in the practice of health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By |2024-01-20T19:01:44-05:00January 22, 2024|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

A Criminal Record Can Prevent You from Obtaining Your License in Florida

Attorney & Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Someone arrested for a criminal offense knows that it can lead to a criminal record that may or may not be on your record for the rest of your life. However, once you pay your fine and carry out any other disciplinary action the court has ordered, you expect the consequences to be over. In many cases, the arrest and offense can even be sealed or expunged so that it is no longer on your record. However, in the case of someone who desires to apply for a license in the health care field or who is already licensed, this is not the end of the consequences you will face.

For healthcare professionals, a criminal charge can mean being disqualified from obtaining a license or losing your license to practice. Conviction of certain criminal offenses may even mean exclusion from being a Medicare provider or termination from the state Medicaid Program, which can also be grounds for revoking your license. Criminal charges against a health professional can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

How Criminal Charges Impact Your Professional License.

Licensing authorities are charged by statute with protecting the general public, not the individuals they regulate. Most state laws regulating health practitioners include criminal convictions as one of the grounds for denial or discipline of a professional license. Some state laws (for example, Florida’s) allow the state licensing authority to impose discipline upon a nolo contendere (no contest) plea or even when adjudication is withheld or deferred by the court.

State regulatory authorities can and do impose discipline based on the facts underlying a conviction, even when the conviction itself is not directly related to the practice of a profession. For example, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving may raise the question with the licensing authority of whether the practitioner could be impaired or reckless while providing patient care. The licensing authority will likely investigate these matters and the facts underlying the offense to determine if the practitioner threatens the public.

Therefore, if you have been arrested for DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, or any other misdemeanor, you can anticipate that the state, the Department of Health (DOH), or the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will start an investigation. You must retain an attorney who can immediately defend your freedom during your criminal case and protect your livelihood during licensing proceedings.

Mandatory Report of Conviction of Felony or Misdemeanor Charge.

In the event of a conviction, this may trigger a required report to the state licensing board within a certain period. Some states only require a report at the time of renewal of the license. Other states require a report within thirty days of the disposition of the offense. Still others, like Florida, may have multiple actions the provider must take in such instances.

For example, certain licensed health professionals in Florida must maintain an online provider profile. Those who must maintain a profile in Florida include medical doctors, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors. State law requires that for any change in the information required on the profile (a conviction, for example), the profile must be updated within fifteen (15) days. In addition, Florida law requires a written report be made to the professional licensing board of any licensed health provider within thirty (30) days of the disposition of the offense.

Suppose you have been arrested and are facing felony or misdemeanor charges. In that case, you must seek the advice and experience of an attorney who can help you and your criminal defense attorney to analyze different outcomes to help protect your license.

Health professionals who have been arrested generally want their criminal cases resolved as quickly and quietly as possible. Unfortunately, they may inadvertently accept a plea arrangement that results in later severe discipline or revocation of their professional license. All health professionals and their criminal defense attorneys should consider the consequences of the practitioner’s license before accepting a plea arrangement and should consult with an experienced health law attorney. Click here to read one of our prior blogs for more information on this. 

Remember, your health profession is probably your only means of support. You must realize that you may need additional legal help from an experienced healthcare attorney to maintain it.

The disciplinary process is often long and extremely costly. The effects of discipline on your license can follow you for the remainder of your career and is publicly available to anyone who cares to look. If you have been arrested, it is strongly recommended that you retain an experienced healthcare attorney who can advise you and your criminal counsel on the effects of a potential outcome on your license.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Licensure Matter and Disciplinary Matters.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, mental health counselors, social workers, and other health practitioners in licensure matters. We frequently consult with criminal defense attorneys regarding defense strategies tailored to minimizing criminal sanctions while at the same time preserving the practitioner’s license.

To contact The Health Law Firm, call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

KeyWords: Health care license defense representation, professional license legal defense, representation for professional license suspension, reporting physician arrests and convictions, health care license defense attorney, medical license defense attorney, reporting criminal conviction for doctor or health professional, report arrest for physician or health professional, mental health counselor defense lawyer, representation for physician criminal charges, representation for nurse criminal charges, representation for dentist criminal charges, Department of Health (DOH) conviction report, misdemeanor offense physician lawyer, Department of Health (DOH) investigation defense attorney, DOH complaint investigation legal defense representation, DOH defense attorney, legal representation in DOH investigation, representation for license suspension, license revocation attorney, representation for health care professionals, legal representation for administrative hearing, representation for administrative appeals, The Health Law Firm reviews, reviews of The Health Law Firm attorneys, Florida health law defense attorney, Medicare exclusion defense attorney, Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion defense lawyer, legalrepesntatin in Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) health care complaint, defense of relinquishment of DEA number, DEA order to show cause (OSC) hearing attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-01-07T19:00:04-05:00January 9, 2024|Categories: Massage Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

From the archives: A Criminal Offense Can Prevent You from Obtaining Your License in Florida

Previously published on October 14, 2022
Attorney & Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Someone arrested for a criminal offense knows that it can lead to a criminal record that may or may not be on your record for the rest of your life. However, once you pay your fine and carry out any other disciplinary action the court has ordered, you expect the consequences to be over. In many cases, the arrest and offense can even be sealed or expunged so that it is no longer on your record. However, in the case of someone who desires to apply for a license in the health care field or who is already licensed, this is not the end of the consequences you will face.

For healthcare professionals, a criminal charge can mean being disqualified from obtaining a license or losing your license to practice. Conviction of certain criminal offenses may even mean exclusion from being a Medicare provider or termination from the state Medicaid Program, which can also be grounds for revoking your license. Criminal charges against a health professional can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

How Criminal Charges Impact Your Professional License.

Licensing authorities are charged by statute with protecting the general public, not the individuals they regulate. Most state laws regulating health practitioners include criminal convictions as one of the grounds for denial or discipline of a professional license. Some state laws (for example, Florida’s) allow the state licensing authority to impose discipline upon a nolo contendere (no contest) plea or even when adjudication is withheld or deferred by the court.

State regulatory authorities can and do impose discipline based on the facts underlying a conviction, even when the conviction itself is not directly related to the practice of a profession. For example, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving may raise the question with the licensing authority of whether the practitioner could be impaired or reckless while providing patient care. The licensing authority will likely investigate these matters and the facts underlying the offense to determine if the practitioner threatens the public.

Therefore, if you have been arrested for DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, or any other misdemeanor, you can anticipate that the state, the Department of Health (DOH), or the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will start an investigation. You must retain an attorney who can immediately defend your freedom during your criminal case and protect your livelihood during licensing proceedings.

Mandatory Report of Conviction of Felony or Misdemeanor Charge.

In the event of a conviction, this may trigger a required report to the state licensing board within a certain period. Some states only require a report at the time of renewal of the license. Other states require a report within thirty days of the disposition of the offense. Still others, like Florida, may have multiple actions the provider must take in such instances.

For example, certain licensed health professionals in Florida must maintain an online provider profile. Those who must maintain a profile in Florida include medical doctors, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors. State law requires that for any change in the information required on the profile (a conviction, for example), the profile must be updated within fifteen (15) days. In addition, Florida law requires a written report be made to the professional licensing board of any licensed health provider within thirty (30) days of the disposition of the offense.

Suppose you have been arrested and are facing felony or misdemeanor charges. In that case, you must seek the advice and experience of an attorney who can help you and your criminal defense attorney to analyze different outcomes to help protect your license.

Health professionals who have been arrested generally want their criminal cases resolved as quickly and quietly as possible. Unfortunately, they may inadvertently accept a plea arrangement that results in later severe discipline or revocation of their professional license. All health professionals and their criminal defense attorneys should consider the consequences of the practitioner’s license before accepting a plea arrangement and should consult with an experienced health law attorney. Click here to read one of our prior blogs for more information on this. 

Remember, your health profession is probably your only means of support. You must realize that you may need additional legal help from an experienced healthcare attorney to maintain it.

The disciplinary process is often long and extremely costly. The effects of discipline on your license can follow you for the remainder of your career and is publicly available to anyone who cares to look. If you have been arrested, it is strongly recommended that you retain an experienced healthcare attorney who can advise you and your criminal counsel on the effects of a potential outcome on your license.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Licensure Matter and Disciplinary Matters.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, mental health counselors, social workers, and other health practitioners in licensure matters. We frequently consult with criminal defense attorneys regarding defense strategies tailored to minimizing criminal sanctions while at the same time preserving the practitioner’s license.

To contact The Health Law Firm, call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in health law practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

KeyWords: Health care license defense representation, professional license legal defense, representation for professional license suspension, reporting physician arrests and convictions, health care license defense attorney, medical license defense attorney, reporting criminal conviction for doctor or health professional, report arrest for physician or health professional, mental health counselor defense lawyer, representation for physician criminal charges, representation for nurse criminal charges, representation for dentist criminal charges, Department of Health (DOH) conviction report, misdemeanor offense physician lawyer, Department of Health (DOH) investigation defense attorney, DOH complaint investigation legal defense representation, DOH defense attorney, legal representation in DOH investigation, representation for license suspension, license revocation attorney, representation for health care professionals, legal representation for administrative hearing, representation for administrative appeals, The Health Law Firm reviews, reviews of The Health Law Firm attorneys, Florida health law defense attorney, Medicare exclusion defense attorney, Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion defense lawyer, legalrepesntatin in Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) health care complaint, defense of relinquishment of DEA number, DEA order to show cause (OSC) hearing attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

By |2024-01-06T19:00:04-05:00January 8, 2024|Categories: Marijuana Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment

Florida Legislation Allows Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations

Attorney and Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians will then be allowed to administer all vaccines listed by the CDC in the Adult Immunization Schedule or recommended by the CDC for international travel. Additionally, it includes vaccines authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization or by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in response to a state of emergency declared by the Governor.

This is a big step in medicine, once again broadening the ability of health professionals to provide more efficient and less expensive health care. In the past, properly qualified pharmacists were allowed to administer vaccines, but even then, there was a shortage.

Certification Requirements.

To become certified by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacy technician must complete six hours of approved immunization-related training. As a renewal condition, an additional two hours of approved continuing education must be completed each cycle, according to the Board of Pharmacy website. For more information, click here.

In comparison, for certification, registered pharmacists must have 20 hours of education to administer vaccines. Registered pharmacist interns (persons with five years of college) who are also under the supervision of a certified pharmacist must take the same 20-hour immunization course that the pharmacists take to become certified to administer immunizations.

While this new Florida law seems to adopt a substantial lessening in training requirements, remember the 20-hour course allows pharmacists to administer vaccines independently. The six-hour course is for pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines under the pharmacist’s supervision. The technician certification program or programs authorized will have to be approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy in consultation with the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

Stay Informed and Prepared.

The Board of Pharmacy has the authority to adopt rules to add new vaccines as added by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it often takes many months to do so. Pharmacies and the pharmacists, pharmacist interns, and pharmacy technicians who are responsible need to monitor these situations closely.

Pharmacies should print a copy of the CDC adult immunization schedule, the CDC’s recommended vaccines for international travel, and the FDA’s list of vaccines with emergency use authorizations and have this readily available for its staff to review. They should also update this list at least once a month. This will help the pharmacy staff keep on top if either of these federal agencies, the CDC or the FDA, changes its list of immunizations. As we’ve seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping track of vaccine schedules and emergency use authorization changes can be very confusing.

Click here to read Florida HB 1209 – Administration of Vaccines, in full.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation of Pharmacists and Pharmacies.

We routinely provide legal representation to pharmacists, pharmacies, and other health professionals who have received complaints against their licenses, notices of investigations, Medicare or Medicaid audits, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) audits, investigations, subpoenas, search warrants, and orders to show cause (OSC) or who are facing formal or informal administrative hearings.

The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in both formal and informal administrative hearings and in representing physicians, physician assistants, and other health professionals in investigations and at Board of Pharmacy hearings. Call our office now at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Dix, Martin. “A Jump Forward For Fla. Pharmacy Technicians’ Vax Authority.” Law360. (August 19, 2022). Web.

Sexton, Christine. “Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy.” Florida Politics. (August 16, 2022). Web.

Dix, Martin. “Florida Legislation Authorizing Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Vaccines Contains Some Surprises.” Akerman. (July 28, 2022). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Florida Judge Sides With Family of Florida Publix Employee Who Died of COVID-19

Attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that he would not dismiss the lawsuit filed by Gerardo Gutierrez’s family, who died on April 28, 2020, from complications caused by coronavirus. The suit was filed in the Florida Circuit Court for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County, Florida, in November 2020.

Publix Accused of Failing Its Workers & the Miami Beach Community.

The suit alleged that on March 27 and 28, 2020, 70-year-old deli worker Gerardo “Gerry” Gutierrez worked at a Publix supermarket alongside a coworker who showed signs of COVID-19. Unfortunately, at that time, according to the complaint, Publix had made a decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

On April 2, Gutierrez was told by his supervisors to isolate at home; but by April 7, he tested positive for Covid-19, the complaint says. He died on April 28, 2020.

The family says in its complaint that Publix, a Florida-based grocery store chain, breached its duty to keep its employees safe. It knowingly failed to take proper precautions and prohibited its workers from wearing masks for fear it would “incite panic” among customers, claims the suit. The lawsuit echoes findings from an earlier Tampa Bay Times report that took the position that Publix lagged behind competitors in adopting employee and customer safety protections (such as employee PPE) during the early days of the pandemic.
Click here to learn more.

Additionally, the suit also references several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) complaints, where employees repeatedly reported the grocer prohibited mask and glove use.

To view the family’s complaint, click here.

Publix Defends Itself.

In response to the lawsuit, Publix filed a motion to dismiss, calling the suit an attempt to circumvent the worker’s compensation process. Publix also argued that the claims in the case needed to be filed in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The worker’s compensation system in Florida requires that employees of a corporation must file workers compensation claims for injuries sustained on the job. Civil litigation is prohibited against the employer, with a number of exceptions. The judge in the civil case disagreed with Publix, ruling in favor of the estate of the worker.

According to the complaint, it wasn’t until March 2020, after the realization set in that the spread of COVID-19 presented a major national crisis for Publix to post a statement on its website. In the statement, Publix CEO Todd Jones said the company had remained in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and would “continue to focus on keeping [its] associates [employees] healthy—and [its] stores open and stocked—to serve and support all our communities.”

Click here to read the statement in full.

Despite the arguments, the family’s attorney Michael Levine said, “Publix has never taken any responsibility for its unthinkable decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks as COVID-19 swept through Florida. Our case will make sure Publix is held accountable for its reckless decision. We look forward to uncovering the documents behind the mask prohibition and deposing its senior personnel.”

One problem that we see with this case is that many Publix employees work part-time. We had one working for our law firm, for example. By not allowing employees to wear proper PPE, and not requiring them to abide by other protective measures, the employer caused a far wider exposure of others, even many non-customers, and their families, to the COVID virus.

The case is Gutierrez v. Publix Super Markets Inc., case number 2020-025168-CA-01, and you can read the judge’s order in full here.

Read one of my prior blogs about OSHA previously handing out citations for COVID-19 PPE violations.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Health Care Professionals and Providers.

At the Health Law Firm, we provide legal services for all health care providers and professionals. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, home health agencies, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, pain management clinics, nursing homes, and any other healthcare provider. It also includes medical students, resident physicians, and fellows, as well as medical school professors and clinical staff. We represent health facilities, individuals, groups, and institutions in contracts, sales, mergers, and acquisitions. The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in complex litigation and both formal and informal administrative hearings. We also represent physicians accused of wrongdoing, patient complaints, and in Department of Health investigations.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call our office at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.ThehealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Bolado, Carolina. “Fla. Judge Won’t Ax Suit Over Publix Worker’s COVID-19 Death.” Law360. (February 5, 2021). Web.

Toropin, Konstantin. “Family files suit over Publix employee’s death. It says company failed to protect him from Covid-19.” CNN. (November 23, 2020). Web.

DiNatale, Sara. “A Publix employee died from COVID-19. Now his family is suing over his death.” Tampa Bay Times. (November 23, 2020). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law; he is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2021 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Judge Won’t Toss Lawsuit Filed By Family of Florida Publix Employee Who Died of COVID-19

Attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that he would not dismiss the lawsuit filed by Gerardo Gutierrez’s family, who died on April 28, 2020, from complications caused by coronavirus. The suit was filed in the Florida Circuit Court for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County, Florida, in November 2020.

Publix Accused of Failing Its Workers & the Miami Beach Community.

The suit alleged that on March 27 and 28, 2020, 70-year-old deli worker Gerardo “Gerry” Gutierrez worked at a Publix supermarket alongside a coworker who showed signs of COVID-19. Unfortunately, at that time, according to the complaint, Publix had made a decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

On April 2, Gutierrez was told by his supervisors to isolate at home; but by April 7, he tested positive for Covid-19, the complaint says. He died on April 28, 2020.

The family says in its complaint that Publix, a Florida-based grocery store chain, breached its duty to keep its employees safe. It knowingly failed to take proper precautions and prohibited its workers from wearing masks for fear it would “incite panic” among customers, claims the suit. The lawsuit echoes findings from an earlier Tampa Bay Times report that took the position that Publix lagged behind competitors in adopting employee and customer safety protections (such as employee PPE) during the early days of the pandemic.
Click here to learn more.

Additionally, the suit also references several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) complaints, where employees repeatedly reported the grocer prohibited mask and glove use.

To view the family’s complaint, click here.

Publix Defends Itself.

In response to the lawsuit, Publix filed a motion to dismiss, calling the suit an attempt to circumvent the worker’s compensation process. Publix also argued that the claims in the case needed to be filed in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The worker’s compensation system in Florida requires that employees of a corporation must file workers compensation claims for injuries sustained on the job. Civil litigation is prohibited against the employer, with a number of exceptions. The judge in the civil case disagreed with Publix, ruling in favor of the estate of the worker.

According to the complaint, it wasn’t until March 2020, after the realization set in that the spread of COVID-19 presented a major national crisis for Publix to post a statement on its website. In the statement, Publix CEO Todd Jones said the company had remained in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and would “continue to focus on keeping [its] associates [employees] healthy—and [its] stores open and stocked—to serve and support all our communities.”

Click here to read the statement in full.

Despite the arguments, the family’s attorney Michael Levine said, “Publix has never taken any responsibility for its unthinkable decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks as COVID-19 swept through Florida. Our case will make sure Publix is held accountable for its reckless decision. We look forward to uncovering the documents behind the mask prohibition and deposing its senior personnel.”

One problem that we see with this case is that many Publix employees work part-time. We had one working for our law firm, for example. By not allowing employees to wear proper PPE, and not requiring them to abide by other protective measures, the employer caused a far wider exposure of others, even many non-customers, and their families, to the COVID virus.

The case is Gutierrez v. Publix Super Markets Inc., case number 2020-025168-CA-01, and you can read the judge’s order in full here.

Read one of my prior blogs about OSHA previously handing out citations for COVID-19 PPE violations.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Health Care Professionals and Providers.

At the Health Law Firm, we provide legal services for all health care providers and professionals. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, home health agencies, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, pain management clinics, nursing homes, and any other healthcare provider. It also includes medical students, resident physicians, and fellows, as well as medical school professors and clinical staff. We represent health facilities, individuals, groups, and institutions in contracts, sales, mergers, and acquisitions. The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in complex litigation and both formal and informal administrative hearings. We also represent physicians accused of wrongdoing, patient complaints, and in Department of Health investigations.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call our office at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.ThehealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Bolado, Carolina. “Fla. Judge Won’t Ax Suit Over Publix Worker’s COVID-19 Death.” Law360. (February 5, 2021). Web.

Toropin, Konstantin. “Family files suit over Publix employee’s death. It says company failed to protect him from Covid-19.” CNN. (November 23, 2020). Web.

DiNatale, Sara. “A Publix employee died from COVID-19. Now his family is suing over his death.” Tampa Bay Times. (November 23, 2020). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law; he is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2021 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Florida Judge Won’t Toss Lawsuit Filed By Family of Publix Employee Who Died of Coronavirus

Attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that he would not dismiss the lawsuit filed by Gerardo Gutierrez’s family, who died on April 28, 2020, from complications caused by coronavirus. The suit was filed in the Florida Circuit Court for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County, Florida, in November 2020.

Publix Accused of Failing Its Workers & the Miami Beach Community.

The suit alleged that on March 27 and 28, 2020, 70-year-old deli worker Gerardo “Gerry” Gutierrez worked at a Publix supermarket alongside a coworker who showed signs of COVID-19. Unfortunately, at that time, according to the complaint, Publix had made a decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

On April 2, Gutierrez was told by his supervisors to isolate at home; but by April 7, he tested positive for Covid-19, the complaint says. He died on April 28, 2020.

The family says in its complaint that Publix, a Florida-based grocery store chain, breached its duty to keep its employees safe. It knowingly failed to take proper precautions and prohibited its workers from wearing masks for fear it would “incite panic” among customers, claims the suit. The lawsuit echoes findings from an earlier Tampa Bay Times report that took the position that Publix lagged behind competitors in adopting employee and customer safety protections (such as employee PPE) during the early days of the pandemic.
Click here to learn more.

Additionally, the suit also references several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) complaints, where employees repeatedly reported the grocer prohibited mask and glove use.

To view the family’s complaint, click here.

Publix Defends Itself.

In response to the lawsuit, Publix filed a motion to dismiss, calling the suit an attempt to circumvent the worker’s compensation process. Publix also argued that the claims in the case needed to be filed in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The worker’s compensation system in Florida requires that employees of a corporation must file workers compensation claims for injuries sustained on the job. Civil litigation is prohibited against the employer, with a number of exceptions. The judge in the civil case disagreed with Publix, ruling in favor of the estate of the worker.

According to the complaint, it wasn’t until March 2020, after the realization set in that the spread of COVID-19 presented a major national crisis for Publix to post a statement on its website. In the statement, Publix CEO Todd Jones said the company had remained in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and would “continue to focus on keeping [its] associates [employees] healthy—and [its] stores open and stocked—to serve and support all our communities.”

Click here to read the statement in full.

Despite the arguments, the family’s attorney Michael Levine said, “Publix has never taken any responsibility for its unthinkable decision to prohibit its employees from wearing masks as COVID-19 swept through Florida. Our case will make sure Publix is held accountable for its reckless decision. We look forward to uncovering the documents behind the mask prohibition and deposing its senior personnel.”

One problem that we see with this case is that many Publix employees work part-time. We had one working for our law firm, for example. By not allowing employees to wear proper PPE, and not requiring them to abide by other protective measures, the employer caused a far wider exposure of others, even many non-customers, and their families, to the COVID virus.

The case is Gutierrez v. Publix Super Markets Inc., case number 2020-025168-CA-01, and you can read the judge’s order in full here.

Read one of my prior blogs about OSHA previously handing out citations for COVID-19 PPE violations.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Health Care Professionals and Providers.

At the Health Law Firm, we provide legal services for all health care providers and professionals. This includes physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, home health agencies, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, pain management clinics, nursing homes, and any other healthcare provider. It also includes medical students, resident physicians, and fellows, as well as medical school professors and clinical staff. We represent health facilities, individuals, groups, and institutions in contracts, sales, mergers, and acquisitions. The lawyers of The Health Law Firm are experienced in complex litigation and both formal and informal administrative hearings. We also represent physicians accused of wrongdoing, patient complaints, and in Department of Health investigations.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call our office at (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.ThehealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Bolado, Carolina. “Fla. Judge Won’t Ax Suit Over Publix Worker’s COVID-19 Death.” Law360. (February 5, 2021). Web.

Toropin, Konstantin. “Family files suit over Publix employee’s death. It says company failed to protect him from Covid-19.” CNN. (November 23, 2020). Web.

DiNatale, Sara. “A Publix employee died from COVID-19. Now his family is suing over his death.” Tampa Bay Times. (November 23, 2020). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law; he is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2021 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

10 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make That Cause DOH Complaints

Attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In representing dentists in complaints against their licenses, we see similar cases over and over again. The dentists could have avoided many Department of Health (DOH) complaints that may wind up before the Board of Dentistry.

These are the ten biggest mistakes we see dentists make, leading to DOH complaints being filed and investigations being opened against them.

1.  Requiring patients to pay an outstanding dental bill before releasing a copy of their dental records. This is prohibited by law. However, the patient can be charged for the copy of the record, up to $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages, ($.25 per page after that), and actual costs of reproduction for other forms of dental records (X-rays, CD’s photographs).

2.  Not having the original patient x-rays or a good digitized copy. Believe it or not, many dentists we have represented either gave their x-rays to the patient or sent them to a subsequent treating dentist. Always release copies (for which you may charge). Always keep the originals. (Not having them when needed). With the expanding use of digital x-rays stored in an electronic dental record, this is not so problematic as it was in the past.

3.  Accepting a new patient who has had more than one other primary dentist within the prior five years (when the patient hasn’t relocated to a new geographical area). Unhappy, disgruntled, unrealistic patients will change dentists often. Identify these patients early and refuse to accept them as your patients or terminate them as patients as soon as you identify them. Closely related to this is accepting or failing to terminate the “disgruntled” patient. If a patient is a chronic complainer or threatens to sue or file a complaint, this is a patient who will, most likely, never be satisfied. Terminate this patient immediately.

4.  Failing to fully inform the patient of possible less-than-desirable outcomes (documenting this in writing, preferably signed by the patient). This includes but is not limited to the fact that there may be subsequent pain or infection, that the bite may be less than perfect and may have to be adjusted, that a bridge or other fixture may not fit correctly and may need to be adjusted, etc.

5.  Failing to have and use appropriate consent forms including, but not limited to:

a.  Refusal of a treatment consent form

b.  Consent for less than optimal dental treatment (to use when a patient refuses to follow dentist’s recommended treatment plan). This is also called “Refusal of Recommended Treatment.”

c.  Root Canal consent form
d.  Tooth Extraction
e.  Endodontic procedures
f.  Dentures and bridges

6.  Failing to refund dental fees when complaining patients demand it. We do not routinely recommend that you refund dental fees based solely on a patient’s demand that you do so. In many cases, the patient will have benefited from the treatment, procedure, or appliance, and should pay for it. However, in many instances, this must be a business decision based on risk management principles. It is always a good idea to weigh the amount in attorney’s fees, time, and aggravation, mental anguish, or increase in insurance premiums that will result if you fail to refund demanded fees. Base your decision on a calculation of how likely it is that a complaint will result.

7.  Failing to have good, legible, comprehensive treatment records on the patient. A documented, comprehensive written treatment plan signed by the patient is mandatory in all cases except emergency cases and specialty consults. This also includes failing to prepare and maintain a periodontal chart on a patient. If you are going to treat and follow a patient for more than an emergency visit or a specialty consultation, you should perform a periodontal exam. Just as important, the Board of Dentistry will expect you to chart this on a periodontal chart.

8.  Failing to document the type of and amount of a drug administered, a sedative used, a compound used, etc. Be sure this is accurately stated in your chart. Be sure this is accurately billed with the correct billing code.

9.  Failing to give patients a copy of their dental chart within a reasonable period of time after requested. (The courts usually define “reasonable” as 14 calendar days or ten business days; however, the Board of Dentistry allows up to 30 days. If you can reasonably provide it earlier, do so, documenting the date.

10.  Producing only part of the complete dental chart to the patient, subsequent treating dentist, or DOH investigator when requested. This has become more problematic as dentists’ convert more and more into electronic dental records. Be sure to print out and produce all treatment plans, histories, physical exams, family history questionnaires, medical history questionnaires, informed consent forms, photographs, treatment plans, x-rays, periodontal charts, progress notes, daily journal entires, bills, correspondence with health insurers or other third-party payers. Also included are prior dentists’ records received, operative reports, or any other documents you have relating to the patient’s treatment.

These are not hard and fast rules. We cannot assure you that you will never receive a DOH complaint, a patient complaint, a grievance, or a lawsuit if you follow them. However, if you follow them, you will probably find your patients happier, your practice calmer and more productive, and your risks of having a complaint filed significantly reduced or eliminated.

Click here to read one of my prior blogs about DOH complaints and investigations.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Dentists and Health Professionals Today.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to dentists, dental hygienists, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or toll-free: (888) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Legal representation for Department of Health (DOH) investigations, legal representation for DOH complaints, licensure defense attorney, DOH defense attorney, representation for DOH cases, DOH complaint representation, representation for dentists, dental law defense attorney, dentist representation, health law defense attorney, legal representation for health care professionals, legal representation for disciplinary actions against your license, legal representation for license revocation, licensure defense attorney, administrative complaint attorney, legal representation for administrative complaints, legal counsel for Board representation, Board of Dentistry representation, Board of Dentistry defense lawyer, The Health Law Firm, health law defense attorney, Florida health law attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorneys review

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999. Copyright © 2021 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

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