New Background Screening Requirements for Florida Health Care Practitioners Starting July 1, 2025

What You Need to Know About House Bill 975 and How to Prepare

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) will soon require fingerprint retention and background screenings for nearly all health care practitioners licensed by the Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA). Under House Bill 975, passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, these new requirements take effect July 1, 2025, and will impact both new applicants and current licensees.

Who is Affected?

All health care practitioners regulated by DOH’s MQA will be subject to these new requirements, except:

• Emergency Medical Technicians

• Paramedics

• Radiological Technicians

• Pharmacy Interns

• Registered Pharmacy Technicians

If your license application is not approved before July 1, 2025, you will be required to comply with the new background screening mandates.

New Scrutiny for Initial Applications

For the first time, most new licensure applicants must submit electronic fingerprints as part of their application. The licensing board will have access to your complete criminal history, increasing the importance of correctly and honestly answering all criminal history questions.

If you have a criminal record, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney before submitting your application to ensure compliance and avoid triggering an investigation.

Mandatory Background Screening at License Renewal

Beginning July 1, 2025, DOH will deny any renewal application that does not include a background screening. This means:

• If your license is up for renewal after July 1, 2025, you must complete your screening in advance.

• Delays or non-compliance could result in loss of licensure or costly interruptions to your practice.

How to Complete the Background Screening

To expedite your license approval or renewal, DOH encourages practitioners to begin the screening process early. Here’s how:

Steps to Initiate Background Screening:

1. Register in the CHAI system
   CHAI Registration and User Guide

2. Create or update your profile in the system.

3. Schedule a fingerprint appointment with an approved Livescan provider. You can do this within CHAI or use the Locate a Provider tool.

   Note: You are responsible for the screening cost. Fees vary by provider.

4. Bring your ORI number and complete the fingerprinting appointment.

5. Request your Transaction Control Number (TCN) from the Livescan provider before leaving.

6. Store your TCN safely—you may need it to track your submission or resolve any issues.

7. Track your fingerprint submission using FDLE’s TCN Lookup Tool.

8. Complete the Privacy Statement
   Log into your MQA Online Services Account and select “Manage My License” to submit your privacy policy form.

What Happens If the DOH Receives Your Criminal Record?

The outcome depends on your personal history:

• DOH can investigate or discipline licensees who fail to disclose convictions, including withheld adjudications.

• Even previously disclosed offenses can result in denial or restrictions, depending on the severity.

• If you have any criminal background, consult an experienced licensing attorney to review your situation before the screening.

Howell, Buchan & Strong for Your Legal Guidance

House Bill 975 significantly expands DOH’s ability to screen, verify, and investigate health care practitioners. The best protection is preparation. If you’re applying for licensure or facing renewal in 2025, take steps now to avoid delays—or worse, denials. If you have a criminal history or uncertainty about your record, reach out to us for legal guidance and peace of mind.