New Background Screening Requirements Now Apply to All Physicians
Effective July 1, 2025, all Florida-licensed physicians must comply with updated background screening requirements under CS/CS/HB 975: Background Screenings and Certifications. This change, passed in 2024, eliminates the exemption previously granted to physicians licensed before January 2013.
What This Means:
All physicians must now complete electronic fingerprinting before their next license renewal. If your license renews in January, the Florida Department of Health recommends initiating the process now to avoid delays. High demand is already impacting processing times for licensure applications and renewals.
Already Fingerprinted?
If you previously completed Level II background screening, you may not need to submit fingerprints again. You can check the status of your fingerprint retention at any time through the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) Website.
Are You an Employer?
Make sure your staff is also in compliance. These changes apply to many healthcare professionals who were previously exempt, including physician assistants, midwives, dietitians, occupational and physical therapists, and psychologists. View the full list in this Cleared to Care Poster (PDF).
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