May 2009

In This Issue:

• Message From The Secretary
• Message From the Board Chair
• Message From The Executive Director
• New License Application Center
• eNewsroom

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Message From The Secretary

With this economic downturn, many of us find ourselves struggling to use existing resources more frugally and to cut costs wherever possible.  This renewed focus on fiscal responsibility is happening across the board—at state agencies, in Florida’s business and professional community and even in our own homes.  At DBPR, we are focusing on cutting costs through increased efficiency.

Recently, we have targeted areas where we can increase efficiency for the department and for our licensees.  I would like to share some examples of our efforts with you. 

• We have reduced the time required to process exam scores for CPAs by more than half.  The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy is now transmitting scores as frequently as eight times per exam window, which is a three-month period. DBPR will now be able to provide eligible applicants with licensure packages more quickly, in approximately 30 days.

• We have removed the requirement that applicants submit corporate documents.  Before this change, documents from the Department of State had to be submitted by the licensee. Now, DBPR mines the documents directly from the Department of State system, thus reducing deficiencies and processing licenses faster.

• We have implemented computer-based testing for Farm Labor.  The Farm Labor Contractor registration examination, previously administered through the pencil and paper, is now offered via computer at multiple sites throughout the state.

A few months ago I sent a letter to all of our board chairs asking them to be mindful of the current budget times and to help us look for ways to save our licensees money and increase efficiency.  Many of our boards and licensees have risen to this challenge. 

Recently, the chair of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bob O’Neil, suggested that the board decline their statutorily authorized $50 daily board compensation.  The board agreed, and I would like to commend them on their dedication to public service.  In addition, our licensees, the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association, withdrew their application for a rate increase citing the distressed state of the economy and the possible impact to fellow stakeholders at the Port of Miami. 

It is inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we join together with a common purpose.  As we work through these tough times, I am confident we will be able to weather the storm with the support of one another.  I will continue to keep you informed about what the department and our partners are doing to support you.  You can find more information about our efforts by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com/dbpr/Accelerate_Florida.  I look forward to sharing our successes with you.

Sincerely,
Charles W. Drago
Secretary

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Message From The Board Chair, Dr. Robert O’Neil

I have been privileged to be re-elected Chair by the board at our March 2009 meeting.  I sincerely appreciate the trust the board has put in me and look forward to serving.  I would also like to thank the board for their dedication to the profession and the citizens of the state of Florida. 

In an effort to help during our state’s difficult economic period, the board agreed to stop accepting the $50 per day board compensation for meeting attendance. I have written to the other boards within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in an effort to encourage them to do the same.  While it may be a small gesture, during these tough economic times small gestures add up.

The board continues to hear cases where veterinarians fail to adequately keep records of patient visits, diagnosis, treatment and other relevant information.  It is not only required by statute to keep these records it is often your best defense against complaints made against you.  Complete records tell the story of the patient’s care. I encourage you to be diligent in keeping patient records.

If your schedule allows, I encourage you to attend a board meeting.  Attendance at a Board of Veterinary Medicine meeting qualifies for up to five hours of continuing education.  Attendance is a good way to stay informed of current issues as well as to provide the board valuable feedback.  Due to the diversity of practice, the board welcomes the dialogue in an effort to help them better serve and regulate the profession.  The next board meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2009 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Please check the board Web page for up-to-date meeting information.  We hope to see you there.

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Message from the Executive Director
Juanita Chastain

The biennial inspections I wrote about in the last newsletter will begin in July 2009.  The fee for the inspection will remain at $60 per inspection.  Please refer to rule 61G18-15.005, Florida Administrative Code, below:

61G18-15.005, Florida Administrative Code, Periodic Inspections.

(1) The Department shall make inspections of veterinary premises every two (2) years. Such inspection shall include but not be limited to verification of compliance with Rule 61G18-15.002, F.A.C., governing minimum standards for veterinary premises.

(2) Additionally, the Department shall conduct unannounced routine inspections of one percent (1%) of the veterinary premises each year. The selection of premises to be inspected shall be made by the Department on a random basis.

Important Reminders:

Section 474.215, Florida Statutes, provides that any establishment, permanent or mobile, where a licensed veterinarian practices must have a premises permit issued by the department.  Each premises must have a licensed veterinarian who will be responsible for the management of the establishment.

Section 474.216, Florida Statutes, provides that license and premises permit must be displayed in a conspicuous place.

Section 474.2165, Florida Statutes, requires each person who provides veterinary medical services to maintain medical records.

Rule 61G18-15.007, Florida Administrative Code, requires that limited service permittees register each clinic with the board by name, address, date of clinic, time and duration at least 28 days prior to offering a limited service clinic.  With regard to operation of a limited service practice a clinic cannot be offered more than once every two weeks and no more than four hours in any one day for any single location where a clinic is held.  A copy of the limited-service permit must be clearly visible at each limited service clinic held during its hours of operation and posted at the main office where the records are stored.

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New License Application Center

In our continuing effort to provide better customer service, we have improved our web site home page and created a user-friendly application center. We hope that these changes will make it easier for you to do business with us. The new features are intended to make the Web site more user-friendly and provide simple ways for our customers to find licensing information and requirements through detailed descriptions and helpful checklists.

The changes to the Web site include: new application features with a full list of license types, a list of detailed license requirements before each application, separate entry points for applications and renewals, and a new page called "What Services Require a DBPR License," which is designed to assist consumers with determining what services require a DBPR license.

We encourage you to provide feedback via the "Feedback" link that is available in the Customer Service Spotlight section on MyFloridaLicense.com.

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eNewsroom

Check out DBPR's eNewsroom, your source for important Department news and information. Here, you can watch public service announcements, read news releases, and subscribe to and flip through our publications.

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Visit us on the Web at www.MyFloridaLicense.com