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

On February 5, 2019, state officials announced that about one in four Florida health care providers failed to take a required two-hour continuing education (CE) course on prescribing controlled substances.  The deadline for the mandated course was January 31, 2019. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is now preparing to send non-compliance letters advising the providers that they have 15 days to take the mandated course or face disciplinary action, said DOH agency spokesman Brad Dalton.

“If the department does not receive a response within 15 days from receipt of the notice, a formal complaint will be initiated,” he said.

New Standards for Prescribing Controlled Substances.

A law in 2018 required all health care providers registered with the DEA and authorized to prescribe controlled substances to take a CE course.  The course covers the current standards for prescribing controlled substances, particularly opiates.

Click here to read our prior blog and learn more about House Bill 21, the Controlled Substances Bill.

In in the of Florida, nurses, dentists physicians, podiatrists, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses practitioners (APRNs) can prescribe controlled substances for pain. Prior to the passage of this law in 2018, only physician assistants and APRNs were required to take CE courses on controlled substances as part of licensure requirements.

The new mandate impacts an estimated 114,000 Florida healthcare providers including all dentists, according to the DOH.

Click here to read one of our prior blogs on the importance of health care compliance for all health care providers.

We have seen firsthand the kinds of problems that can arise when licensed health professionals do not follow up on continuing education requirements.  Click here to read one of my prior blogs and learn more.

How a Disciplinary Action May Affect Your Healthcare License.

It is important that health care providers understand how this could impact your professional license and professional reputation. Failing to obtain the required CE during the time period set forth by state and board regulation can result in disciplinary action being taken against a licensee. Disciplinary action in one state can lead to disciplinary action commenced against a license held in another state, if the licensee holds multiple licenses.

Often consulting an experienced health law attorney on such matters can save a great deal of turmoil, mental anguish, cost and damage. Click here to read one of our prior blogs and learn more.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Department of Health Investigations of Pharmacists, Pharmacies and Other Healthcare Professionals.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, 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.

Sources:

“A Quarter Of Florida Docs, Dentists Skip Required Opioid Training.” Health New Florida. (February 5, 2019). Web.

Sexton, Christine. “Thousands of Florida doctors, dentists skip required opioid training.” Orlando Sentinel. (Web.)

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

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