Frequently Asked Questions

Physicians/surgeons are expected to perform only those surgeries they are competent to perform. Specific education requirements are listed in Rules 64B8-9.009(4)(b)2.a.b. and 64B8-9.009(6)(b)1.a.b., F.A.C.

Unless they are board certified or board eligible and are under a qualifying transfer agreement, physicians who perform Level II or Level III office-based surgeries must have staff privileges to perform the same procedures at a hospital licensed under section 395, F.S. See Rule 64B8-9.009(6)(b)1.a., F.A.C., for more information.

Among other requirements, a physician/surgeon performing Level II or Level III office surgeries needs either staff privileges to perform the same procedures at a licensed hospital or a qualifying transfer agreement with a licensed hospital within 30 minutes travel time. See Rule 64B8-9.009(4)(b)1., F.A.C., for more information.

No, so long as the staff privileges are at a hospital within reasonable proximity (within 30 minutes), and you are able to perform the same procedures with your staff privileges as those performed in the office surgery facility.

All physicians who perform certain Level I or any Level II or Level III surgical procedures in a physician office setting must register the office with the Department of Health unless that office is licensed pursuant to Chapter 390 or 395, Florida Statutes. Office surgery is defined as surgery that is performed outside a hospital, an ambulatory surgical center, abortion clinic, or other medical facility licensed by the Department of Health, the Agency for Health Care Administration, or a successor agency.

The physician/surgeon performing surgical procedures and recovery room personnel must be certified in ACLS by an approved provider. See Rules 64B8-9.009(4)(b)4. and 64B8-9.009(6)(b)4., F.A.C., for more information.

At least one staff person assisting the physician/surgeon during surgery must be certified in BLS by an approved provider. See Rules 64B8-9.009(4)(b)2.b. and 64B8-9.009(6)(b)1.b., F.A.C., for more information.

A pediatric patient is a child of 13 years of age or younger. Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support is required when treating pediatric patients. See Rule 64B8-9.009(1)(e), F.A.C., for more information.

A physician/surgeon must have documented staff privileges at a licensed hospital within reasonable proximity (30 minutes) to perform the same procedure in that hospital as that being performed in the office setting, must be able to document satisfactory completion of training such as Board certification or Board eligibility by a Board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or any other board approved by the Board of Medicine, or must be able to demonstrate comparable background, training, and experience. In addition, the physician/surgeon must have knowledge of the principles of general anesthesia.

Every Florida licensed physician who holds an active Florida license and performs Level II or Level III office surgery, as fully defined in Rule 64B8-9.009, F.A.C., must register with the Board of Medicine. It is the physician’s responsibility to ensure that every office in which he or she performs Levels II or III surgical procedures as described above is registered, regardless of whether other physicians are practicing in the same office or whether the office is non-physician owned. The new physician/surgeon must submit a signed office surgery registration form and all required documentation. The physician/surgeon must immediately notify the Board office, in writing, of any changes to the registration information. Office Surgery Registration Application.

A physician/surgeon cannot provide anesthesia when performing Level II or Level III procedures. In such cases, anesthesia must be provided by a qualified anesthesia provider. Licensed health care personnel, such as a physician/anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, physician assistant, anesthesiologist assistant under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist, or registered nurse qualified by training in anesthesiology, may assist the physician/surgeon. See Rules 64B8-9.009(4)(b)4. and 64B8-9.009(6)(b)4., F.A.C., for more information.

A physician/surgeon cannot administer anesthesia and perform the surgical procedure. A qualified anesthesia provider is required to administer the anesthesia and cannot perform any other function in the procedure room. See Rule 64B8-9.009(4), F.A.C., for more information.