Helpful tips: Signs and Information Required in Physician Offices

Physicians in the State of Florida are required, by the Department of Health, to post certain signs in their office.  The Legislature passed laws requiring certain signs and information to be posted in the physician office and/or provided to patients.  The reason is that patients are provided with information that keeps them informed, promotes the well-being of the patients, and helps to facilitate meaningful conversations between the patient and the physician regarding treatment.

Human Trafficking

For instance, Section 456.0341, Florida Statutes, requires that a human trafficking sign be posted in the physician office. The sign must be 11 x 15 inches, in clear print using 32-point type in both English and Spanish.  The sign must be in a conspicuous location and must state:

“If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in an activity and cannot leave, whether it is prostitution, housework, farm work, factory work, retail work, restaurant work, or any other activity, call the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-855-FLA-SAFE, to access help and services. Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and Florida law.”

Office Surgery Facilities

Physicians that own office surgery facilities in Florida are required to post another sign as required in Rule 64B8-9.009, Florida Administrative Code. The sign must be prominently posted in the office and states that “the office is a doctor’s office regulated pursuant to the rules of the Board of Medicine as set forth in rule Division 64B8, F.A.C.”

Physicians that are registered in Florida to perform surgery in their office that are annually inspected by the Department of Health, will receive a “ding” on their inspection if this sign and other required signs are not posted.  If this happens, a corrective action will be required by the registered office.

Controlled Substance Alternatives Pamphlet

Section 456.44, Florida Statutes, requires the Department of Health to develop an educational pamphlet for health care providers regarding the use of nonopioid alternatives for the treatment of pain. The pamphlet can be found here: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/alternatives-facts-8.5×11-eng.pdf

Any health care provider that administers, orders or prescribes a controlled substance to a patient for the treatment of pain, must do the following prior to treatment:

1. Inform the patient or the patient’s representative of available nonopioid alternatives for the treatment of pain, which may include nonopioid medicinal drugs or drug products, interventional procedures or treatments, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any other appropriate therapy as determined by the health care practitioner.

2. Discuss with the patient or the patient’s representative the advantages and disadvantages of the use of nonopioid alternatives, including whether the patient is at a high risk of, or has a history of, controlled substance abuse or misuse and the patient’s personal preferences.

3. Provide the patient or the patient’s representative, electronically or in printed form, with the educational pamphlet described in paragraph (b).

4. Document the nonopioid alternatives considered in the patient’s record.

Many physicians call our office with questions about their practice, such as, “What signs am I required to have in my private practice”?  If you need assistance or just have questions, call Howell Buchan & Strong. We have experienced attorneys in health care law that can help you.  Call us now!