REPORTING UNLICENSED ACTIVITY

It is against Florida law for someone to practice a health care profession or service without a valid, current license. The Department of Health licenses and regulates health care professionals, including Dietetics and Nutrition. This protects residents and visitors from being hurt by unlicensed medical and health care services. So please, if you for any reason believe that an individual is providing nutrition counseling, or providing nutrition services, without a valid or current license- report it!! You can make your claim anonymous, but if you want to be notified of the status of your report, you would want to provide your name and contact information. You have nothing to lose if the person that you reported is found to be practicing within legal realms. It is better to file a complaint if you are not sure. We need to protect our profession! In 2014, our Licensure Act is up for renewal. Needless to say, this is a critical time for our profession.

To report unlicensed activity, please do not contact any of the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Council members directly, as this would compromise their position if they have prior knowledge. Any discussions the Council members have regarding Licensure activities must be conducted in an open forum following the Sunshine Laws that govern officials of the State of Florida. When reporting things to the state your complaint must follow very specific legal protocols. You can call 1-877-HALT ULA (425-8852), or email HALTULA@doh.state.fl.us. You can also download the unlicensed activity form from the website to complete and submit for formal review. http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/mqaservices/PublicServices.asp

So, we urge you all please to submit your complaints. If they do not get enough complaints, then the powers that be may just decide our Licensure Act is not worth maintaining! We definitely do not want this to happen. Please, ensure you follow the proper channels. Report, report, report!!