The Board proposes the rule amendment to update the rule test to add Telehealth Registrants to the rule and update the disciplinary guidelines.  

  •  

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    Board of Acupuncture

    RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

    64B1-9.001Disciplinary Guidelines

    PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes the rule amendment to update the rule test to add Telehealth Registrants to the rule and update the disciplinary guidelines.

    SUMMARY: Update the rule text.

    SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

    The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

    The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board concluded that this rule change will not have any impact on licensees and their businesses or the businesses that employ them. The rule will not increase any fees, business costs, personnel costs, will not decrease profit opportunities, and will not require any specialized knowledge to comply. This change will not increase any direct or indirect regulatory costs. Hence, the Board determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

    Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

    RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 456.079(1), 457.104 FS.

    LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.072, 456.079, 457.109 FS.

    IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

    THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Kama Monroe, JD, Executive Director, Board of Acupuncture, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C06, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3257.

     

    THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

    Substantial rewording of Rule 64B1-9.001 follows.  See Florida Adminisrative Code for present text.

    64B1-9.001 Disciplinary Guidelines.

    (1) When the Board finds any person has committed any of the acts set forth in Section 456.072(1) or 457.109(1), F.S., or a telehealth provider registered under section 456.47(4), F.S., it shall issue a final order imposing appropriate penalties as recommended in the following disciplinary guidelines. The language identifying offenses below is descriptive only. The full language of each statutory provision cited must be consulted to determine the conduct included.

    (a) Attempting to obtain, obtaining, or renewing a license to practice acupuncture by: bribery, or fraudulent misrepresentations, or through an error of the Department or Board.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(a), 456.072(1)(h), F.S.)

    1. Error of the Department or Board

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern, or laws and rules continuing education

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    laws and rules continuing education

    $1,000 fine

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    2. Bribery or fraudulent misrepresentation

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    revocation

     

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    (b) Having a license to practice acupuncture revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including the denial of licensure, by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(b), 456.072(1)(f), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    one year suspension

    revocation

    (c) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendre to, regardless of adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which relates to the practice of acupuncture or to the ability to practice acupuncture.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(c), 456.072(1)(c), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $10,000 fine or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    one to two year suspension

    revocation

    (d) False, deceptive, or misleading advertising or advertising which claims that acupuncture is useful in curing any disease.

    (Section 457.109(1)(d), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    reprimand

    revocation

    (e) Advertising, practicing, or attempting to practice under a name other than one’s own.

    (Section 457.109(1)(e), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    reprimand

    revocation

    (f) Failing to report to the Department any person who the licensee knows is in violation of this chapter or of the rules of the Department or Board.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(f), 456.072(1)(i), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $500 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    Suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (g) Aiding, assisting, procuring, employing, or advising any unlicensed person to practice acupuncture contrary to chapter 457 or 456, F.S., or to a rule of the Department or Board.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(g), 456.072(1)(j), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine and continuing education

    $5,000 fine and or suspension

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (h) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation placed upon a licensed acupuncturist.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(h), 456.072(1)(k), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and $500 fine

    suspension or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (i) Making or filing a report, signed in the capacity of a licensed acupuncturist, which the licensee knows to be false, intentionally or negligently failing to file a report or record required by state or federal law, willfully impeding or obstructing such filing or inducing another person to do so.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(i), 456.072(1)(l), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and $500 fine

    $5,000 and or suspension

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $5,000 fine and continuing education

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (j) Exercising influence within a patient-acupuncturist relationship for purposes of engaging a patient in sexual activity, or engaging or attempting to engage a patient in verbal or physical sexual activity.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(j), 456.072(1)(v), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine

    $10,000 fine, suspension and or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $5,000 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    (k) Making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in or related to the practice of acupuncture or employing a trick or scheme in the practice of acupuncture when such scheme or trick fails to conform to the generally prevailing standards of treatment in the community.

    (Section 457.109(1)(k), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (l) Soliciting patients, either personally or through an agent, through the use of fraud, intimidation, undue influence, or a form of overreaching or vexatious conduct.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(l), 456.072(1)(y), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine, suspension and or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine, suspension and or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    reprimand

    revocation

    (m) Failing to keep written medical records which are consistent with the standard of care in acupuncture.

    (Section 457.109(1)(m), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and continuing education in documentation

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    probation and or suspension

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSES

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (n) Exercising influence on the patient to exploit the patient for the financial gain of the licensee or of a third party.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(n), 456.072(1)(n), F.S.

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $1,000 fine

    $10,000 fine, suspension and or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $2,000 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    reprimand

    revocation

    (o) Being unable to practice acupuncture with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(o), 456.072(1)(z), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension until such time as the licensee can provide Board’s satisfaction to demonstrate ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety

    revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    suspension until such time as the licensee can provide Board’s satisfaction to demonstrate ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (p) Gross or repeated malpractice or the failure to practice acupuncture with that level of care, skill, and treatment which is recognized by a reasonably prudent, similar acupuncturist as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances.

    (Section 457.109(1)(p), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and continuing education

    $1,000 fine, suspension and continuing education

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    probation

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (q) Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law or accepting and performing professional responsibilities which the licensee knows or has reason to know that he or she is not competent to perform.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(q), 456.072(1)(o), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and continuing education

    $1,000 fine, suspension and continuing education

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    probation

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (r) Delegating or contracting for professional responsibilities by a person when the licensee delegating or contracting for such responsibilities knows or has reason to know that such person is not qualified by training, experience, or licensure to perform them.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(r), 456.072(1)(p), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and continuing education

    $1,000 fine, suspension and CE

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    probation

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a correction action plan

    revocation

    (s) Violating any provision of Chapter 457 or 456, F.S., a rule of the Board or Department, or a lawful order of the Board previously entered in a disciplinary hearing or failing to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena of the department.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(s), 456.072(1)(q), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern and $500 fine

    suspension and or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    suspension and or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (t) Conspiring with another to commit an act, or committing an act, which would tend to coerce, intimidate, or preclude another licensee from lawfully advertising his or her services.

    (Section 457.109(1)(t), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    suspension or revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (u) Fraud or deceit or gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the operation of a course of study.

    1. Gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct:

    (Section 457.109(1)(u), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $2,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $2,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    2. Fraud or deceit:

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension

    revocation

    (v) Failing to comply with state, county, or municipal regulations or reporting requirements, relating to public health and the control of contagious and infectious diseases.

    (Section 457.109(1)(v), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine and continuing education

    $1,000 and continuing education

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 and continuing education

    $5,000 and continuing education

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (w) Failing to comply with any rule of the Board relating to health and safety, including, but not limited to, the sterilization of needles and equipment and the disposal of potentially infectious materials.

    (Sections 457.072(1)(w), 456.072(1)(b), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine and continuing education

    $1,000 and continuing education

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 and continuing education

    $5,000 and continuing education

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a correction action plan

    revocation

    (x) Failing to comply with continuing education requirements, including requirements for HIV/AIDS education.

    (Sections 457.109(1)(x), 456.072(1)(b), and (e), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension until continuing education completed

    $1,000 and suspension until continuing education completed

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    suspension until continuing education completed

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    (y) Having been found liable in a civil proceeding for knowingly filing a false report or complaint with the department against another licensee.

    (Section 456.072(1)(g), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine

    suspension or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    revocation

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    reprimand

    suspension

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension

    revocation

    (z) Improperly interfering with an investigation or inspection authorized by statute, or with any disciplinary proceeding.

    (Section 456.072(1)(r), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $1,000 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $2,000 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (aa) Failing to report to the Board in writing with 30 days after the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a pleas of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction.

    (Section 456.072(1)(x), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $2,000 fine and CE’s

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $500 fine

    $2,000 fine and CE

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    reprimand

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a  corrective action plan

    revocation

    (bb) Using information about people involved in a motor vehicle accident which has been derived from accident reports made by law enforcement officers or persons involved in accidents pursuant to section 316.066, F.S., or using information published in a newspaper or other news publication or through a radio or television broadcast that has used information gained from such reports, for the purposes of solicitation of the people involved in such accidents.

    (Section 456.072(1)(y), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $500 fine

    suspension

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (cc) Being convicted of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any misdemeanor or felony, regardless of adjudication, under 18 U.S.C. s. 669, ss. 285-287, s. 371, s. 1001, s. 1035, s. 1341, s. 1343, s. 1347, s. 1349, or s. 1518, or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1320a-7b, relating to the Medicaid program.

    (Section 456.072(1)(ii), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    revocation

     

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    (dd) Failing to remit the sum owed to the State for an overpayment from the Medicaid Program pursuant to a final order, judgment, or Stipulation or settlement. Section 456.072(1)(jj), F.S.

    (Section 456.072(1)(jj), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension until complied

    revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    suspension until complied

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (ee) Being terminated from the state Medicaid Program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., any other state Medicaid program, or the federal Medicare program, unless eligibility to participate in the program from which the practitioner was terminated has been restored. Section 456.072(1)(kk), F.S.

    (Section 456.072(1)(kk), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    revocation

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    revocation

     

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    (ff) Being convicted of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any misdemeanor or felony, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which related to health care fraud. Section 456.072(1)(ll), F.S.

    (Section 456.072(1)(ll), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and/or suspension or revocation

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $10,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    revocation

     

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    revocation

     

    (gg) Willfully failing to comply with Section 627.64194 or 641.513, F.S., with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice. Section 456.072(1)(oo).

    (Section 456.072(1)(oo), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    letter of concern

    $4,000.00 fine

    SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES

    $1,000 fine

    $10,000 fine and revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (hh) Failing to comply with, failing to successfully complete, or being terminated from an imparied practitioner treatment program.

    (Section 456.072(1)(hh), F.S.)

     

    MINIMUM

    MAXIMUM

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension

    revocation

    Telehealth Registrants

     

     

    FIRST OFFENSE

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    ADDITIONAL OFFENSES

    suspension and a corrective action plan

    revocation

    (2) Based upon consideration of the following factors, the Board may impose disciplinary action other than those penalties recommended above:

    (a) The danger to the public;

    (b) The number of repetitions of offenses, other than an adjudicated offense for which the licensee is presently being penalized;

    (c) The length of time since date of violation;

    (d) The number of complaints filed against the licensee;

    (e) The length of time the licensee has practiced acupuncture;

    (f) The actual damage, physical or otherwise, to a patient;

    (g) The deterrent effect of the penalty imposed;

    (h) The effect of the penalty upon the licensee’s livelihood;

    (i) Any efforts for rehabilitation;

    (j) The actual knowledge of the licensee pertaining to the violation;

    (k) Attempts by the licensee to correct or stop a violation or refusal of a licensee to correct or stop a violation;

    (l) Any action relating to discipline or denial of a certificate or license in another state including, findings of guilt or innocence, standards applied, penalties imposed and penalties served;

    (m) Any other mitigating circumstances.

    (3) Violations and Range of Penalties. In imposing discipline upon applicants and licensees, in proceedings pursuant to Sections 120.57(1) and (2), F.S., the Board shall act in accordance with the disciplinary guidelines and shall impose a penalty within the range corresponding to the violations. Any of the above penalties may may include continuing education. For applicants, any and all offenses listed herein are sufficient for refusal to certify an application for licensure. In addition to the penalty imposed, the Board shall recover the costs of investigation and prosecution of the case. Additionally, if the Board makes a finding of pecuniary benefit or self-gain related to the violation, then the Board shall require refunds of fees billed and collected from the patient or a third party on behalf of the patient.

    (4) The provisions of subsections (1) through (4), above, shall not be construed as to prohibit civil action or criminal prosecution as provided in Section 457.116 or 456.072, F.S., and the provision of subsections (1) through (4), above, shall not be construed so as to limit the ability of the Board to enter into binding stipulations with accused parties as per Section 120.57(4), F.S.

    (5)  Telehealth guidelines.

    (a)  The range of disciplinary action for registered out-of-state telehealth providers shall be, in ascending order of severity, letter of concern, reprimand, suspension, and revocation.

    (b)  A suspension may be for a definite term or may be accompanied by a corrective action plan established by the Board.

    (c)  A suspension for a definite term may be terminated early only upon aproval of the Board.  A suspension accompanied by a corrective action plan may be terminated upon successful compliance with the corrective action plan or as otherwise determined by the Board.

    (d)  a “corrective action plan” must accompany a suspension and must include rehabilitative provisions established by the Board which are narrowly tailored to address the conduct which resulted in the underlying disciplinary violations.  In order to satisfy a corrective action plan, the Registrant must provide proof of successful completion of all terms to the Board.  A corrective action plan may follow a suspension for a definate term.  Nothing in this provision shall be interpreted as restricting the Board’s ability to impose a suspension for a definite term absent, or accompanied by a correction action plan.

    Rulemaking Authority 456.079(1), 457.104 FS. Law Implemented 456.072, 456.079, 457.109 FS. History–New 12-8-86, Amended 8-6-89, Formerly 21AA-9.001, 61F1-9.001, Amended 11-21-95, Formerly 59M-9.001, Amended 8-3-00, 5-20-02, 5-24-04, 1-26-06, 5-2-12, 3-1-17, 2-27-18,                   .

     

    NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Acupuncture

    NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Acupuncture

    DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: March 12, 2020

    DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: June 10, 2020

     

Document Information

Comments Open:
6/29/2020
Summary:
Update the rule text.
Purpose:
The Board proposes the rule amendment to update the rule test to add Telehealth Registrants to the rule and update the disciplinary guidelines.
Rulemaking Authority:
456.079(1), 457.104 FS.
Law:
456.072, 456.079, 457.109 FS.
Contact:
Kama Monroe, JD, Executive Director, Board of Acupuncture, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C06, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3257.
Related Rules: (1)
64B1-9.001. Disciplinary Guidelines