Latest News
Honoring Service Beyond the Uniform
See how MQA streamlines licensure for those who have sacrificed the most and explore veteran stories, military licensure trends, and more! Continue reading
The MQA FY 23-24 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan is Here!
Check out the report on the MQA Reports and Publications page to see how MQA is advancing its mission to make Florida the healthiest state in the nation. Continue reading
Hurricane Milton Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency
On October 5, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Continue reading
A New Licensure Experience for Health Care Practitioners
E-licensing demonstrates the commitment of the Department to expedite
licensure and verification processes. Learn more by clicking here! Continue reading
2024 Bills Impacting Health Care Professions
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2024 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
Announcement
MQA Online Services will be unavailable from Friday, December 15, at 6:00 PM to December 17, at 12:00 PM EST. Continue reading
Board Website Re-Design Survey
MQA is planning to revamp the board websites. Please take the survey to give us your recommendations by clicking the survey icon below. Survey closing Friday, 2/2/2024 at 4:30 PM ET Continue reading
Announcing the FY 2022-23 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan
An annual publication showcasing trends and information about Florida’s health care regulatory landscape. Continue reading
Hurricane Idalia: Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency
On August 26, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Idalia. Continue reading
Important Information on Fraudulent Emails to Practitioners
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent emails that have been received by multiple licensees. Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2023 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
2023 Annual Long-Range Planning Meeting
The Division of Medical Quality Assurance has announced the 2023 Annual Long-Range Planning meeting. Click here for more information. Continue reading
Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Subtropical Storm Nicole
On Monday, November 7, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Subtropical Storm Nicole. Continue reading
2021-2022 Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-22 has been published. Click here for more information. Continue reading
Hometown Heroes
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is proud to highlight the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program. Continue reading
Governor DeSantis declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian
On Friday, September 23, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Hurricane Ian. Continue reading
Fourth Quarter Performance Report
Released for the 2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading
Website Server Maintenance Notice
Please be aware of website server maintenance for MQA Websites beginning Friday, July 8th at 5:00PM EST. Click here for more information. Continue reading
Third Quarter Performance Report
Released for the 2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading
Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents added to Formulary
The Board of Optometry has added the following Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents to the formulary… Continue reading
Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in some areas of Florida. Continue reading
Second Quarter Performance Report
Released for the 2022 – 2023 Fiscal Year Continue reading
Healthier You is a one-stop shop for Floridians to access resources to promote a healthy lifestyle. Please click here for more information. Continue reading
First Quarter Performance Report
Released for the 2021 – 2022 Fiscal Year Continue reading
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released for Fiscal Year 2020-21
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2020-21
is now online. Continue reading
Fourth Quarter Performance Report
Released for the
2020-21 Fiscal Year Continue reading
Newly Licensed Florida Practitioners Search Tool
Click here to access data on recently licensed Health Care Practitioners and Facilities
Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2021 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
Third Quarter Performance Report
Released for the
2020-21 Fiscal Year Continue reading
CDC Call Regarding Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
The CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) will be hosting a call at 2:00 PM ET regarding CVST associated with the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine Continue reading
Notification of Renewal Deadline Extension
State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 granting licensure renewal extensions Continue reading
NTSB Study on Drug Use Trends in Aviation
National Transportation Safety Board issues recommendations to states on prescribing controlled substances for pain and the dangers of operating a vehicle in any mode of transportation Continue reading
Second Quarter Performance Report
Released for Fiscal Year
2020-2021 Continue reading
First Quarter Performance Report
Released for Fiscal Year
2020-2021
Continue reading
Potential Spam Alert
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent calls that have been received by multiple licensees.
Continue reading
Board of Optometry Approves Emergency Rule
See attached rule language for attaining Continuing Education (CE) hours. Click here for more information. Continue reading
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan Released for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
is now online. Continue reading
System Maintenance Notice
Please be aware of system downtime for DOHMQA beginning Friday July 24th 6:30PM(EST) until Monday July 27th 6:00AM(EST). Click here for more information. Continue reading
Nonopioid Alternatives Pamphlet
2020 legislation amended the requirements for non-opioid alternatives. Click here to access the pamphlet for “Information on Nonopioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Pain” Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2020 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
New Coronavirus: COVID-19
The Florida Department of Health (Department) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the current outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus. Continue reading
Important Notice Regarding Oxervate
The Board of Optometry has approved Oxervate (Cenegermin-bkbj) 0.002% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Continue reading
Electronic Prescribing Requirements
Click here for the new requirements requiring prescribers to generate and transmit all prescriptions electronically Continue reading
First Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Hepatitis A Public Health Emergency
Florida, like other parts of the United States, is experiencing a Public Health Emergency as a result of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Click here for more information. Continue reading
Annual Report & Long-Range Plan Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year
The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year is now available to view online. Continue reading
Important Notice regarding Dextenza and Klarity-C
The Board of Optometry has approved Dextenza (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) 0.4 mg and Klarity-C (cyclosporine) 0.1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Continue reading
Scam Calls
Click here for more information regarding scam calls for license holders claiming to be with the Florida Board. Continue reading
Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Important notice regarding Inveltys
The board approved Inveltys (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective August 5, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Inveltys. Continue reading
Brand Names not allowed on formulary.
The Board of Optometry met on July 18, 2019 in Orlando regarding adding Rocklatan to the formulary. Click here for more information on the formulary. Continue reading
Human Trafficking
Click here for new profession requirements and reporting procedures regarding Human Trafficking Continue reading
Telehealth
Click here for information on the new law that sets standards of practice and authorizes out-of-state health care practitioners to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida. Continue reading
Third Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Board Chairs/Vice Chairs Annual Long-range Planning Meeting
The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2019. Please click here for more information. Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2019 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
Important notice regarding Rhopressa
The board approved Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective January 25, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Rhopressa. Continue reading
Florida Jurisprudence CE Requirement
The Board of Optometry voted to waive the 2-hour Florida Jurisprudence requirement for all out-of-state licensees for the current biennium only. Click Here for more information. Continue reading
Important Notice Regarding Inveltys
The Board approved Inveltys (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002, F.A.C. Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents Continue reading
Important notice regarding Cequa
The board approved Cequa (cyclosporine) 0.09% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective January 25, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Cequa. Continue reading
Board Meeting Registration for Florida Jurisprudence Credit
You may now register to attend a disciplinary board meeting for the purposes of receiving credit for Florida Jurisprudence continuing education. To Register, please click Here Continue reading
Temporary Delay in Printing of Licenses
We are currently experiencing a temporary delay in printing and mailing the hard copy of your license. Please click here for more information. Continue reading
Rule 64B13-5.001 Hours Requirement
If you are seeking Florida jurisprudence CE credits for attending a disciplinary hearing please see the meeting site information for the upcoming February 8, 2019 board meeting. Continue reading
Annual Report & Long-Range Plan Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year
The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year is now available to view online. Continue reading
Important Information Regarding Cequa
During the September 28, 2018 Board of Optometry meeting, the board approved for addition to the Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents the ophthalmic solution Cequa. Continue reading
Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Requirements to Prescribe Oral Ocular Pharmaceuticals
Understand your requirements before you are authorized to prescribe oral ocular pharmaceuticals as a certified optometrist. Continue reading
Important Information Regarding Rhopressa
Click here to find out more about Rule 64B13-18.002 formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents, Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%.) Continue reading
Third Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Take Control of Controlled Substances
Click Here to be in the know on how Florida’s new legislation on controlled substances affects you Continue reading
Opioid Epidemic in Florida
In an effort to combat the national opioid epidemic in Florida, in March 2018 Governor Rick Scott signed HB 21 creating new limits on schedule II prescriptions for pain medication. Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2018 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
First Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
Important Information Regarding Vyzulta
Click here to find out more about Rule 64B13-18.002 Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents, Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution) 0.024%. Continue reading
Fourth Quarterly Performance Report Released for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2016-2017 fiscal year is now available online. Continue reading
DEA Warns Public of Extortion Scam by DEA Special Agent Impersonators
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as DEA Special Agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme. Continue reading
Board Chairs/Vice Chairs Annual Long-range Planning Meeting
The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018. Please click here for more information. Continue reading
Healthiest Weight Webinar: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 10:00a.m.
Chronic Disease Prevention: A Public Health Perspective. Please click for details on how to register for this webinar. Continue reading
Urgent National Drug Shortage
Please Click for Details on the Urgent National Drug Shortage: Lidocaine with Epinephrine and Bupivacaine with Epinephrine Continue reading
Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Hurricane Irma
Due to impacts from Hurricane Irma, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida Continue reading
Third Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) Released
The QPR contains revenue, expenditure and performance measure information from the Department of Health. Continue reading
2017 Legislation Impacting Your Profession
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2017 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession. Continue reading
Telehealth
The use of telehealth technology by Florida licensed healthcare practitioners for the purpose of providing patient care within the state of Florida is not precluded by Florida law. Continue reading
Dedicated to Securing Florida’s Future
Attention: The Board of Optometry will be holding a special telephone meeting on May 11th, at 9:00 AM… Continue reading
Xiidra Approved on January 20, 2017
Rule 64B13-18.002, F.A.C. adds Xiidra (Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution) 5% to the formulary and allows Florida Optometrists to prescribe the medication to their patients. Continue reading
Important Notice Due to Hurricane Matthew
Due to impacts from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida Continue reading
Xiidra Approved; Pending Effective Date
Until the new rule becomes effective, Florida Optometrists are not allowed to prescribe the medication. A notification will advise when the rule is effective. Continue reading
Board Chairs, Vice Chairs & Associations’ Meeting Announcement
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) announces the following meetings: Continue reading
A Tool to Report Health Care Provider Complaints
The Complaint Portal is a way for consumers to find the correct agency to submit health care complaints in an electronic and secure format. Continue reading
FREE Webinars Now Available
Learn how to add your license to your Online Services Portal account or report your continuing education/continuing medical education (CE/CME) requirements. Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 221 passed and was signed into law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-222, Laws of Florida. The bill prohibits an out-of-network provider from balance billing members of a preferred provider organization (PPO) or … Continue reading
Board Mourns Tragedy in Orlando, Gives Thanks to Health Care Responders
As we mourn the tragic events that occurred in Orlando over the weekend, the Division of Medical Quality Assurance joins friends and colleagues in Central Florida and across the state to thank the dedicated health care professionals who have so … Continue reading
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 1175 passed and became law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-234, Laws of Florida. Starting July 1, 2016, health care practitioners are required to provide a good faith estimate of anticipated charges to … Continue reading
Recognizing Depression among Health Care Practitioners
Recognize when every-day stressors lead to burnout or depression. Learn more about self-care strategies and how to get help by clicking here. Continue reading
ANNOUNCEMENT: MQA Online Services
Services will be unavailable on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern Standard Time for system upgrades. Continue reading
A New and Improved Search Portal
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is excited to announce the launch of the new and improved MQA Search Services Portal. Continue reading
MQA publishes latest quarterly report
The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and serve health care consumers. In an effort to update MQA’s 22 health care provider … Continue reading
Many Optometrists Facing Discipline Claim They Did Not Know
Not knowing does not alleviate accountability. Become familiar with the Grounds for Discipline found in Section 456.072(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), and… Continue reading
Innovative Tool to Keep Adults on Schedule for Good Health
Adults are encouraged to discuss their health screenings and immunization schedule with their health care professionals Continue reading
Notice Regarding the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
Effective August 1, 2015, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will no longer be sending eligibilities to Prometric for applicants who are required to sit for the Florida Board of Optometry Laws and Rules Examination. Beginning August 1, 2015, applicants … Continue reading
Board Chairs, Vice Chairs & Associations’ Meeting Announcement
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces its annual Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations’ meeting. Continue reading
MQA publishes latest quarterly report
The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and serve health care consumers. In an effort to update MQA’s 22 health care provider … Continue reading
CE Broker Browser Compatibility with Internet Explorer
In March 2015, CE Broker updated their system to a newer technology that would make it faster and more secure. As a result however, some old internet browsers may not work as well with the new technology. Some users have … Continue reading
Important Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious disease, transmitted by respiratory aerosols when an infected person coughs or sneezes… Continue reading
Notice of Rule Change for Optometry Branch Office Renewals
As of March 13, 2014, Rule 64B13-16.002, F.A.C., was repealed and Optometrists are no longer required to renew their Branch office license. Continue reading
Healthiest Weight Florida Work to Raise Awareness and Prevent Prediabetes
Roughly 86 million American adults have prediabetes and 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. Continue reading
Record CE/CMEs before the deadline and be renewal ready.
The Department encourages you to log in to the tracking system before applying for renewal to ensure your information is complete and accurate. Continue reading
Florida’s Healthy Promise Campaign
Healthy Promise is a campaign sponsored by the Florida Department of Health to encourage people in Florida to make more informed choices about healthy eating and active living this year. Continue reading
Florida Veteran Health Heroes
The Florida Department of Health honors and supports veterans, members of the military and their families on Veterans Day. Continue reading
Information on Ebola Virus Disease
The state of Florida is prepared to identify and treat patients who may have Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Continue reading
Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations Annual Meeting
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces the first combined Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations annual meeting Continue reading
Boards and Councils Liaison Meeting
This meeting includes a review of how the Health Care Boards and Councils
will each play an integral role in Florida’s Healthiest Weight Initiative Continue reading
Retinoblastoma Information
Retinoblastoma is a life threatening rare type of cancer, usually caused by a defective gene found in children between the ages of 2 and 6. Continue reading
Does your CE/CME Provider report Course Completions?
The Department of Health has partnered with certain CE/CME providers using this seal to eliminate the need for licensees to self-report course completion. Continue reading
Notice to Licensees About Fraudulent Documents
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is aware that documents purportedly originating from DOH requesting information of a sensitive nature have been received by members of the public. These documents request licensees share information that may be used to commit … Continue reading
2013 Legislative Update – Prescription Authority
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law Continue reading
Reporting Adverse Incidents in the Practice of Optometry
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law Continue reading
Co-Management of Postoperative Care
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law Continue reading
Eye Exams During Boxing Exhibitions
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law Continue reading
Operation of Clinical Laboratories and Testing
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law Continue reading
Multistate Epidemiological Sterile Injections Investigation
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)… Continue reading
The Board
The Florida Board of Optometry plays a leading role in the State’s ever-changing health care environment. This is accomplished through… Continue reading
CE at Renewal – A New Approach to License Renewal
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system… Continue reading
