This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to health care practitioner specialty titles and designations. It revises legislative findings to emphasize the importance of regulating health professions to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The bill introduces new provisions that prohibit health care practitioners not licensed as physicians or osteopathic physicians from using specific specialist titles and designations, which are deemed to constitute the unlicensed practice of medicine. It also allows the Department of Health to issue cease and desist notices and pursue remedies for violations of these regulations. Additionally, the bill specifies the titles and abbreviations that certain licensed health care practitioners may use, ensuring that only those with appropriate credentials can represent themselves as specialists.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the conditions under which licensed health care practitioners may use their professional titles and designations, including specific formats for identifying their specialty areas. It establishes that violations of these provisions will be treated as unlicensed practice, allowing the Department to take enforcement actions. The bill also includes amendments to sections concerning the specialties of physicians and osteopathic physicians, requiring formal recognition from appropriate boards for the use of certain specialist titles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 172 Filed: 456.003, 458.3312, 459.0152
S 172 c1: 456.003, 458.3312, 459.0152
S 172 c2: 456.003, 456.065, 458.3312, 459.0152