Frequently Asked Questions

Being unable to practice nursing safely due to use of drugs, alcohol, chemicals, a mental condition, or the possession or distribution of controlled drugs for other than legitimate purposes is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act that can result in disciplinary action taken against a nurse’s license by the Florida Board of Nursing.  If the nurse has been reported only to IPN, he/she agrees to participate in IPN, and successfully completes IPN, the file is closed and held in confidence with no disciplinary action resulting.  If the nurse is reported only to IPN, and does not agree to participate, or does not successfully complete IPN, then the information in IPN’s possession is forwarded to DOH, and may result in disciplinary action, if deemed appropriate.  In some cases, the nurse is reported both to IPN and the DOH and in those cases, the disciplinary process proceeds and may result in disciplinary action.

Initially, the nurse may be required to refrain from nursing practice during the evaluation phase and any resulting treatment. The nurse may resume nursing practice when given authorization to do so by IPN or the Florida Board of Nursing. The approval for a return to nursing practice is based upon recommendations from approved treatment providers in consultation with IPN staff. Practice limitations are often required during the early phase of return to practice.

Yes, you are required to notify the registry in writing of any changes in your name or address. Official notifications and renewal forms are sent to your address of record.

You can reach the registry at (850) 245-4125 or by email at MQA.CNA@flhealth.gov.

Log into your MQA Online Services Portal account and select Request Duplicate License from the “Manage My License Information” pulldown menu. Review your changes and click “Submit.”

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. To change your name, please submit supporting documents, which must be one of the following: (Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document)

1. A copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court.
2. A divorce decree restoring your maiden name.
3. A court order showing the name change (adoption, legal name change, federal identity change).
4. A copy of a certificate of naturalization or H1B Employment Visa (note: foreign applicants and/or licensees may not have state issued documents).

Licensee

If you are a licensee, you may either update your name online or via email/mail. To update online:

• Login to online services by selecting your profession from the dropdown menu and entering your information
• Find the “Manage My License” menu
• Select “Request Name Change” and submit your request along with legible supporting documents
• Once you have entered your new information, click on “Submit”

If you prefer to email or mail in your address change, please complete the update address form and email to: MQAOnlineService@flhealth.gov

Or mail to:
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Licensure Support Services
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin #C10
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-32260

Applicant
If you an applicant, you may either email or mail in your name change, please complete the change name form and email to: MQA.NursingAppstatus@flhealth.gov

or

mail to:
Department of Health
Medical Quality Assurance
Board of Nursing 4052
Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3252

PROCESSING TIME: If you are submitting an name change request by mail, please allow 5-7 business days for processing. Online requests will be processed within 48 hours. Please Note: An updated license will not be automatically sent.

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is now issuing electronic licenses, which enables you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal, https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal account. To learn more, please visit the electronic licensing webpage at https://flhealthsource.gov/electronic-licensing/.

Yes, there are three (3) exceptions which allow you to work for a maximum of four (4) months (120 days) while awaiting receipt of your Florida certification: (1) applicants enrolled in or have completed a state approved program, or (2) applicants who have been verified as being actively certified in another state, or (3) applicants who have preliminarily passed the state exam but have not yet received the certificate. (See 400.211, F.S.) All of these are at the determination of the employer.

No, the CMA must have a Florida CNA certificate in order to work as a CNA in Florida.

Medical Assistants are not licensed in Florida; however, a medical assistant may become certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants, 800-228-2262. Please see Section 458.3485, Florida Statute (F.S.) for more information regarding medical assistants.

For information regarding the regulation of HHAs in Florida, please visit the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) website at www.ahca.myflorida.com or call (888) 419-3456.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulates home health agencies.  For information on what a home health agency is allowed to do, please visit the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) website at www.ahca.myflorida.com or call (888) 419-3456.

Renewal forms are no longer sent to licensees. CNA renewal postcards are sent out about 120 days before the expiration date. Licensees may renew online or print off their renewal form from our online site at: www.FLHealthSource.gov.   If you recently moved and left a forward address with the US Postal Service within the last 6 months, you will need to change your address online at www.flhealthsource.gov or submit the address change on the renewal form with the correct fees in order to renew your certificate or receive any notifications.