While the Florida State Medical Board does not recognize reciprocity, if you’ve been effectively treating a patient for at least two of the last four years and have a valid medical license from another state, you may be eligible for a license by endorsement.
Only licensed physicians in FL may provide telehealth services; physicians from other states are required to register with the Department of Health. Also, you’ll need a current DEA license to prescribe restricted medications, which entails submitting an online application and passing a background check.
FL medical license renewal involves 40 hours of CME. DEA registrations also need to be renewed every three years, with a fee and proof of current licensure required. It is recommended to renew licenses at least 90 days before expiration to avoid any penalties or delays.
The Florida Department of Health provides an online search tool for verifying medical licenses. You can search by name, license number, profession, or location and view license status, expiration dates, disciplinary actions, and other information. The search tool is free to use and updated daily.
You must complete an approved course of physician assistant training and pass the NCCPA exam to become a licensed physician assistant. Additionally, you need to hold a current certificate issued by the NCCPA, complete the online application, and pay the required fees. You must also report your continuing medical education hours to CE Broker. Before reactivating your license, you might need to finish extra education or training if you have been inactive or retired for more than two consecutive biennial cycles.
Once you have obtained your physician assistant license in FL, you need to renew it every two years online. As part of the renewal process, you must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education, of which at least 50 hours must be Category I CME-approved by certain organizations. You must also complete specific courses on the prevention of medical errors, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS. Physician assistants with prescribing privileges must complete 10 hours of CME in their specialty area, including 3 hours on safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances.
If you are licensed in Puerto Rico, you can practice in FL if you meet certain requirements. You must have a current license in good standing from Puerto Rico and have completed a physician assistant training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor organization. Also, you must be certified by the NCCPA and pass their competency exam in order to work as a physician assistant.
You must retain a current registered nurse license from any state in order to practice as a nurse practitioner in FL. You also need to have finished a master’s or post-degree master’s program or program leading to certification in a nursing specialty and have been granted national advanced practice certification by an organization recognized by the nursing specialty boards. You must also submit proof of malpractice insurance or exemption, submit electronic fingerprints, and pass a background check.
You must renew your licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) every two years. Depending on the group you are a member of—Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3—the renewal procedure will vary. Each group has different expiration dates and fees. You also need to complete certain continuing education requirements, such as courses on the prevention of medical errors, Florida laws and rules, and recognition of impairment in the workplace. You can renew your license online through the Board of Nursing website.
Obtaining a medical license in FL can be a time-consuming and complicated process. However, you can expedite the process. One option is to apply for a medical license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which allows physicians with a full and unrestricted medical license in their home state to apply for expedited licensure in participating states. Another option is to work with a medical licensure service. MedicalLicensing.com can help navigate the complex licensing requirements and paperwork, potentially saving significant time and effort.
At MedicalLicensing.com we understand the complexities of the licensing process and are ready to provide expert assistance with everything from filling out applications and submitting documentation to navigating regulations and requirements. Let us do the legwork while you concentrate on your patients.
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