Frequently Asked Questions

Complaints can be filed through our Consumer Services Unit.

Anyone can file a complaint. Complaints should be clearly written or typed, and signed. Complaints can be filed through our Consumer Services Unit.

According to Rule 64B8-10.002(3), FAC : A licensed physician shall keep adequate written medical records, as required by Section 458.331(1)(m), Florida Statutes, for a period of at least five years from the last patient contact; however, medical malpractice law requires records to be kept for at least seven years.

Yes. A health care practitioner can terminate a patient relationship at any time, but the practitioner may not abandon a patient and should provide continuity of care in accordance with the prevailing professional standard of care. The Florida Medical Association (FMA) recommends to a practitioner who wishes to terminate a relationship that the practitioner should give the patient adequate notice in writing, and the practitioner should remain available to the patient for at least 30 days in order to allow time for the patient to find a new practitioner. The FMA also recommends that the practitioner terminating the relationship should provide assistance in locating another practitioner for the patient. The Florida Medical Association is not affiliated with the Board of Medicine.

No.

Yes.

No. But it is highly recommend for the protection of the physician and the patient.

Yes; however, the practitioner may charge for the copies.

A  complaint may be filed with the Consumer Services Unit; however, a physician may not hold records if the patient has not paid for services rendered.

Yes. Section 456.057, Florida Statutes, allows a health care practitioner to charge no more than the actual cost of copying, which may include reasonable staff time or an amount designated by rules provided by the regulatory board. The reasonable costs of reproducing copies of written or typed documents are outlined in Rule 64B8-10.003, FAC.

Yes. Section 456.057, Florida Statutes, allows patients or their legal representative to receive copies of all reports and records relating to an examination or treatment by a healthcare practitioner. However, when psychiatric, psychological, or psychotherapeutic records are requested by the patient or the patient’s legal representative, the healthcare practitioner may provide a report of examination and treatment instead of copies of records.

Section 381.026, Florida Statutes, outlines the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in the State of Florida.