Hanging a Shingle? Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Solo Practice & AHCA License Exemptions

Becoming a licensed medical practice in Florida involves key steps to ensure compliance with state regulations and standards of care. Providers often must thoroughly review the licensing requirements outlined by the DOH and ensure that they meet all prerequisites, including facility design, staffing qualifications, and patient care protocols. Although the task of starting a solo practice may seem daunting, once the process is completed, the provider may begin to deliver essential health care services to patients while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Many solo practitioners wonder if they are required to licensure their facility, and if so, what exactly is involved. Here are some things to consider:

Startup Costs: Thinking About the Money

Venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship presents a set of distinct challenges and transitioning from the role of a dedicated medical care provider to that of a business owner and operator requires a knowledge of both your medical practice as well as knowledge as to the legal and financial challenges and requirements that may arise in this task.

Aside from the expected and usual startup costs of rent and medical equipment, there are other startup costs that will be essential for opening a medical practice in Florida that medical providers may not be privy to at the onset of opening a practice. For instance, the Florida Statutes require that doctors in the state of Florida must carry at least $100,000 in medical malpractice insurance. Further, a health care practice that employees four or more employees is required to have worker’s compensation coverage, which, while likely not as expensive as malpractice insurance, is a startup cost to keep in mind.

AHCA Exemptions

Normally, a solo practitioner would still have to go through the rigorous and often complex process of applying for licensure as a health care clinic. However, the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) provides an exemption from such license in certain circumstances.

By applying for an exemption from licensure with AHCA, one can glean a variety of benefits as well as lower stress in an already stressful time of starting a solo practice. An AHCA exemption from licensure can save time and expense via bypassing the lengthy and expensive licensure process which involves significant paperwork, examinations, and training requirements. An exemption could also spare you from regulatory requirements for maintaining licensure such as continuing education or periodic renewal fees.

While the AHCA exemption process is much preferable to a solo practitioner, there are still nuanced complexities that come into play when applying for exemption that a health care provider may not be aware of.

We always recommend seeking the counsel of an experienced attorney when it comes time to hang your own medical shingle. Our team of legal experts understands the unique and complex considerations that must be taken into account when starting your own practice. We will guide and advise you throughout the process on both gaining exemption and opening your business.

Our team has assisted solo practitioners and health care facilities with this often tedious and complicated process of starting a solo practice. We understand the legal implications of our client’s goals, and we are experienced in preparing the necessary documents and meeting the desired timelines. With our help, you can confidently start your own medical practice, knowing that the process is in qualified hands. We will guide you throughout each step of this tedious yet exciting process and provide comprehensive advice along the way.