DOH QUERIES PRACTITIONER PROFILES AGAINST THE NATIONAL PRACTITIONER DATA BANK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           Contact: Thometta Cozart
October 24, 2006                                                                (850) 245-4111



 -Profiles of Podiatrists, Chiropractors, Osteopathic Physicians and Medical Doctors are being Queried-

TALLAHASSEE— The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) is currently querying the practitioner profiles of podiatrists, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians and medical doctors against the National Practitioner Data Bank. MQA is reviewing the disciplinary history and medical malpractice claims information self-reported by practitioners in their practitioner profiles.

“This audit helps ensure that consumers have access to accurate and up-to-date information on the practitioner profiles so they can make informed decisions when choosing a licensed health care professional,” DOH MQA Division Director Lucy C. Gee, M.S., said. “By cross referencing the information on the profiles to the national databank, MQA and the Department are holding practitioners accountable and continuing our stride toward excellence in healthcare regulation.”

DOH is considered a national leader in disciplining physicians. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group in Washington, D.C., ranked Florida in the top 10 for physician look-up websites. Florida ranks ninth out of 51 states, including the District of Columbia, for being among the best websites to search for physician information and disciplinary actions. In 2002, the group awarded Florida, specifically the Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, with a “B” for the content and user-friendliness of the site.

MQA, which manages and maintains DOH’s practitioner look-up site, is mandated by Florida Statute to ensure the information on practitioner profiles is correct; therefore, DOH can discipline practitioners choosing not to comply with audits. These measures are taken to protect the safety of Florida’s residents and visitors. 

Practitioners, along with consumers, are encouraged to visit <http://www.flhealthsource.com/> www.flhealthsource.com, DOH’s health care practitioner web site, to verify information and learn more about Florida’s healthcare licensee regulation system.

MQA, in conjunction with 22 boards and six councils, regulates more than 40 health care professions and six types of facilities. MQA evaluates the credentials of all applicants for licensure, issues licenses, analyzes and investigates complaints, inspects facilities, assists in prosecuting practice act violations, combats unlicensed activity and provides credential and discipline history about licensees to the public. Visit <http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa> www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa for more information about MQA. Public Citizen’s report can be found at <http://www.citizen.org/medicalboard> www.citizen.org/medicalboard.

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