Ruling on DOH License App and Health History

Regulatory Update on DOH Health History Questions on Physician Licensure Applications

The Florida Psychiatric Society joined the FMA, AMA, FSMB, APA, and Council of Florida Medical School Deans to advocate for changes to language on the state licensure application about the licensee's mental health or substance-related disorders history.

Originally, applicants were given six questions about mental health and substance abuse. Now, it's just two:

• Has the applicant been treated for or had a recurrence of a diagnosed physical or mental disorder that impaired or impairs the ability to practice?
• Has the applicant been treated for or had a recurrence of a diagnosed alcohol or drug abuse disorder that impaired or impairs the ability to practice?
   

Disclosure of a disorder is only necessary if it has impaired or impairs the doctor's ability to practice medicine. Licensure candidates do not have to disclose whether they have sought counseling to assist with stress, mild anxiety, situational depression, family or marital issues.

Learn more here.