Frequently Asked Questions

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.

You may search for or request public records at our Public Records website. There you will find information such as license verifications, disciplinary records, and declaratory statements.

Yes, information on disciplinary sanctions for all healthcare professions and establishments regulated by MQA are included in the License Lookup search system.

Please see our  List of Regulated Professions for assistance in locating the profession you are seeking.

To register laser devices please visit the Bureau of Radiation Control Homepage

Yes, please refer to 64B8-56.002 Equipment and Devices; Protocols for Laser and Light-Based Devices rule from the Electrolysis Council, for additional information please visit the Electrolysis Council Home Page.

The law does not allow the practitioner to abbreviate, the month must be written out. For example, “December” not “Dec.”