State of Florida Medical Boards and Medical Professional Licenses

While the application process for a medical professional license, whether for a physician, nurse, or dentist, for example, is detailed, time-consuming, and often an arduous procedure, you should know how seriously the state medical boards in Florida take the process of reviewing and approving these applications. In addition to ensuring that potential patients receive the best possible care from the best possible medical professionals, these boards are committed to protecting your interests once your license is granted. Thus this process, as lengthy and complex as it may be, serves the State of Florida, its citizens, and its medical professionals.

Medical Professional License: Role of the Medical Board

To that end, the medical boards are charged with ensuring the physical, mental, and moral fitness of each prospective medical professional license candidate. Specifically, they:

• Define the practice of medicine throughout the application itself to be sure you understand the expectations for the minimally acceptable practice standards.

• Ask questions necessary to determine your personal background, to include any criminal history, your entire work history, and your physical and mental conditions that could influence how you safely practice your profession once you are licensed.

These medical boards accomplish this specific task through detailed questions on the application, ones designed to elicit the sorts of responses that will enable them to evaluate your application honestly, thoroughly, and fairly. This review includes:

• Verifying your medical credentials as you have listed them;
• Confirming that you have successfully passed the USMLE [US Medical Licensing Examination] or the COMPLEX-USA [Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination] if you are applying for an allopathic or osteopathic physician’s license;
• Checking the FSMB’s disciplinary database or any prior issues;
• Reviewing all your responses to questions on the application to make sure you haven’t omitted any answers or supporting documents; and
• In some cases, depending on this intensive review, the board may ask you to appear for a formal interview before the board or a subcommittee.

Therefore, as much time and effort as you have put into your application, the relevant board will also expend in its review and ultimate decision to grant you the medical professional license for which you have applied.

Should you have any questions or would like additional information about the licensure process, your responses to questions on the application and required documentation for specific sections, as well as the state medical board’s role in this process, please contact the law firm of Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law at 850-877-7776 to set up your FREE no-obligation consultation with attorney Jeff Howell or attorney Rickey Strong today. DOH has experienced attorneys on its side, so should you!