|
Volume 1 Number 1 Board of Medicine/ Dietetics and Nutrition Council Welcomes... Jeffrey Wittman, NC was appointed to fill the Nutrition Counselor vacancy for a term beginning August 7, 1999 through September 30, 2002. Mr. Wittman has been licensed as a Nutrition Counselor since 1988 and comes to the Council with twenty years in the health industry. He has served on the Board of Directors of the National Nutritional Foods Association, S.E. from 1996 to 1999, and he has hosted and produced radio and TV shows including "Health in the 90's"and "The Nutrition Show". He is owner of Lake Nutrition Centers with locations in Leesburg and Lady Lake. He is a motivational speaker and nutrition lecturer who presents 35 to 50 seminars per year for schools, churches, civic groups, senior adult communities, major corporations and members of the medical and health industry. Darlene Moppert, MS, RD, LD/N succeeded Clara Lawhead as a Council member for a term beginning October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2003. Ms. Moppert currently holds the position of Director, Customer Relations at North Ridge Medical, Fort Lauderdale. Formerly, she directed the Diabetes Center at that institution, served as adjunct faculty at Florida International University and has been an administrator of hospital nutrition programs for over 25 years. She regularly speaks to professional and lay audiences on the subject of nutrition. A former president of the Florida Dietetic Association, Mrs. Moppert actively participated in lobbying for licensure for dietitians and was instrumental in marketing the new legislation to dietitians in Florida. In addition, she served a term as delegate to the American Dietetic Association, was a member of its Quality Management Committee and served as a test writer/reviewer for the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In 1991, she received the Distinguished Dietitian Award, the highest award presented to a member of the Florida Dietetic Association. In addition, she has held leadership positions on local community boards and in professional organizations. Barbara Stoutamire was reappointed as the Consumer Member for a second full term from October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2002. Donna Erlich, Assistant Attorney General was appointed as counsel to the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council on 1998. Ms. Erlich enjoys her work as counsel to the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. Ms. Erlich, a member of the Florida Bar for over 20 years, has a long history of government service for the State of Florida. Ms. Erlich began working with the Office of the Attorney General in January 1998. In addition to providing representation for the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council, her current DOH assignments include: the Electrolysis Council; the newly established Board of Respiratory Care; the Board of Hearing Aids Specialistists; and, under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers. Other Council Members are: Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, CS, LD/N, Chair, was appointed for a first term beginning October 1, 1996 through September 30, 2000. Ms. Beseler assumed the Chair's position on October 1, 1999. Gail P.A. Kauwell, Ph.D.,R.D.,LD/N was first appointed August 5, 1995, through September 30, 1996, and reappointed beginning October 1, 1996, through September 30, 2000. Dr. Kauwell is the Education and Budget Liaison for the Council. Council Staff The Council office strives to assist applicants, licensees and the general public as expediently, efficiently and courteously as possible. Kaye Howerton, Executive Director Responsible for the developing and carrying out administrative policies and procedures related to the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council; oversees the administration of rules adopted by the Council; assists the Council in issues related to legislation and fiscal matters; represents the Department of Health and the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council to professional associations, governmental agencies and the general public; and assists with administration of the practice act and rules. Vickie Boyd, Regulatory Specialist II Directly responsible for processing all applications for licensure and temporary permits; prepares agendas for Council meetings; attends and records Council meetings as required; prepares minutes of meetings attended; maintains official Council documents and files; responds to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and licensees. Cheryl Searcy, Program Administrator Coordinates the administrative functions of the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council and is responsible for administrative decisions related to staff; coordinates the activities of and supervises the Council staff; attends meetings of the Council and committees of the Council as required; and represents the Executive Director in her absence Special thanks to... Ms. Clara Lawhead, MS, RD, LN/D, Past Chair, who served faithfully for many years on the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. Ms. Lawhead was first appointed to the Council for a four-year term beginning October 1, 1991 and was reappointed for a second term beginning October 1, 1995. Thank you, Clara, for your dedication to the profession, and in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the general public and for all the time and heart you have given to the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. She leaves the Council after serving two terms. On October 1, 1999 she assumed the position of president-elect of the Florida Dietetic Association. Web site Pass the news, the Department of Health has a web site which offers the latest information regarding the Department and its different professions. We encourage all licensees to visit the web site at least once a month to keep up with any changes that may affect the practice of dietetics and nutrition. All important notices and announcements will be placed on the web site. In addition, you will find a copy of the licensure application, the Practice Act, Rules, renewal information, meeting dates and other information related to the practice of dietetics and nutrition at this site. Add us to your bookmarks!! Check it out at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dietetics/ Licensure Lookup available at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/ Florida Kidcare: Reaching Florida's Children with Affordable Health Insurance Anyone involved in children's health care accepts this truth intuitively: Health insurance plays a critical role in ensuring that children get timely, appropriate medical care. And that is exactly what a recent study confirmed. After six months, children ages birth through 19 who were newly enrolled in insurance had statistically significant improvements in access to care, getting the services they needed when they needed them, using dental services, and being less restricted in their childhood activities. All of this was true for children of all ages. (Keane et al., Pediatrics, November 1999: 1051_58). Health insurance works. It helps children get health care—and helps keep them more active. That's why Florida KidCare is so important, and why the remarkable successes of its first 18 months must be continued. Florida's children are uninsured for many different reasons, but the most common reason is that their families simply cannot afford coverage. In an era of high health care costs, health insurance is essential not only for ensuring the accessibility but the affordability of care. The Florida KidCare program, enacted in 1998, provides a defined set of health benefits to previously uninsured, low-income children through a variety of affordable insurance options: Florida Healthy Kids, Florida Medicaid, MediKids, Children's Medical Services Network, and the Behavioral Health Specialty Care Network. Florida now has the ability to extend health coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income children—and we have made great strides in that effort. Since KidCare began, children insured through Title XXI, the federal Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), have increased by over 100,000 and those insured through Medicaid by another 90,000. Thanks are due to many dedicated people. State and local partnerships and community commitment have been major contributors to this successful beginning. The Florida KidCare Regional Outreach Projects, developed by the Florida Department of Health, are instrumental in leading the grassroots effort. Twenty-six regional projects, many based in county health departments, serve Florida's diverse and dynamic populations from the Panhandle to the Keys, and they tailor outreach to the needs and character of Florida's distinct communities. We congratulate the projects and all partners. Your assistance in helping to enroll Florida's children in this worthwhile program is is greatly appreciated! Florida KidCare needs you now as much as at our beginning. Despite the initial success, there are still so many children to enroll—especially the hard-to-reach, both geographically and culturally. Community partners are critical to continue identifying and enrolling children in Florida KidCare. Watching enrollment steadily grow has been a fulfilling experience and KidCare looks forward to serving more and more of Florida's families—with your help. If you are not already connected with your Florida KidCare Regional Outreach Coordinator, please call 1-888-540-5437 to get more information and to find out how you can become involved in local activities. Partners make KidCare work—for families, for their kids. Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council Important Changes in 1999 The 1999 legislative session was a busy one for Medical Quality Assurance. The Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council has reviewed the new laws that affect Part X of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 455 Part II, F.S. Some of the changes are: Effective July 1, 1999, all individuals holding a license pursuant to Part X of Chapter 468, F.S. shall require a one contact hour HIV/AIDS continuing education course for licensure renewal. All initial licensees shall be required to complete a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course or request a 6-month extension. An incomplete application shall expire one year after initial filing with the department. All licenses shall consist of a wallet-size identification card and a wall card measuring 61/2" X 5", and for initial licensure, a wall certificate. If a license is revoked, the licensee shall surrender to the department the wallet-size identification card, the wall card, and wall certificate. Sexual misconduct has been added to Chapter 455.567(1), F.S. as an area for discipline. Sexual misconduct is defined and includes "verbal" sexual misconduct and misconduct with " an immediate family member of the patient or client." First-time failure of a licensee to satisfy continuing education (CE) requirements may result in a citation and fine. In addition, for each hour of CE not completed or completed late, the board or department may require the licensee to take one additional hour of continuing education. Any licensee who has been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of adjudication, to a crime in any jurisdiction must report to the board or department in writing within, 30 days. Convictions, findings, adjudications, and pleas entered into prior to the enactment of this law must be reported in writing to the board or department on or before October 1, 1999. A provision is added to s. 455.601 that any person licensed by the department and any other person employed by a health care facility who contracts a blood-borne infection shall have a rebuttable presumption that the illness was contracted in the course and scope of his or her employment, provided that the person, as soon as practicable, reports to the person's supervisor or the facility's risk manager any significant exposure. A provision is added to s. 455.687(3) that authorizes an emergency suspension or restriction order when a licensee tests positive for any government or private-sector pre-employment or employer-ordered confirmed drug test, when the licensee does not have a lawful prescription and legitimate medical reason for using such drug. It is the licensee's responsibility to stay abreast of new changes to the laws and rules that govern their profession. Valuable information regarding your profession is now available on the Department of Health's web site. Important notices that affect licensees are now placed on the web for immediate dissemination such as the Practice Act, Rules, licensure application, and licensure information. Attention All Licensees Please note the Dietetic and Nutrition Practice Council's mailing address for the mail service center. Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council Attention All Licensees September 1999 marked the introduction of computer-based testing for individuals who are eligible to take the licensure exam to become licensed dietitians/nutritionists. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the organization with whom the Florida Department of Health has a contract to administer the exam, chose to implement this testing format for several reasons. Some of the advantages include: ¨ flexible test administration dates; instead of offering the exam twice a year, it will now be offered year round ¨ no more waiting for test results; score reports will be distributed to examinees as they leave the test site ¨ use of Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) methodology resulting in an exam that is shorter than the traditional paper and pencil test ¨ shorter waiting period for retesting for candidates who are unsuccessful at their first attempt at taking the exam The following information should help answer some of the questions you may have about the exam and the examination process. How do I apply to take the exam? What will I need to do when I arrive at the testing
site? Can I take the paper and pencil test instead of the
computerized exam? How many questions and what types of questions will
be on the exam? How much time will I be given to take the exam? What happens after I pass the exam? What happens if I'm unsuccessful? FYI Hotlines Information Center The Information Center provides assistance and direction related to the Agency's programs and publications. The automated, toll-free telephone system provides access to Agency units handling: Health care facility or home health agency quality of
care or billing concerns. Toll-free access: (888) 419-3456 CHPA (800) 4MY CHPA [469-2472] Medicaid Choice Counseling Hotline (888) 367-6554 Statewide Provider & Subscriber Assistance Panel (HMO grievances) (850) 921-5458 Agency Jobline (850) 488-8356 The following are other Agency hotline and specialty phone numbers: Related Hotline Numbers Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline (800) 342-2762 Board Office (850) 488-0595 Consumer Assistance Health Care Practitioner
Complaints We're Moving!The Division of Medical Quality Assurance will be moving to the Capitol Center Office Complex in May-June 2000. As soon as the new address becomes available, we will be posting it on our website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa Protecting your Career: Rule Reminders for Licensees Specific continuing education requirements govern those licensees who obtain, reactivate or reinstate their licenses during a biennium. All licensees shall complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education in dietetics and nutrition practice within the twenty-four (24) month period prior to the expiration date of the license, of which no more than ten (10) hours may be in management, risk management, personal growth, and educational techniques. Up to ten hours of credit shall be accepted per biennium for approved home study courses. Those persons certified for licensure in the second half of the biennium are exempt from the continuing education requirements for that biennium. Before taking a course, a licensee should keep the practice act in mind and refer to it when considering whether or not a course will meet Florida's requirements. In order to claim credit for a program or course, a licensee must receive a certificate of attendance reflecting the approval source. The licensee must keep certificates of attendance or other documentation for a period of four years following the end of the renewal period for which the continuing education was obtained. The council will randomly audit a number of licensees after the renewal period to determine compliance with the continuing education requirements for renewal. At the time of licensure renewal, a licensee may choose active or inactive status. An inactive status licensee may change to active status at any time providing: 1) any additional licensure fees equal to those imposed on an active status licensee and any applicable reactivation fees are paid; and 2) all continuing education requirements as set forth in Section 468.515, F.S., Chapters 64B8-41.001, 64B8-45.001, 64B8-45.002 and 64B8-45.004, F.A.C. have been met. All licensees completing the reactivation application must submit proof of successful completion of 15 hours per year of continuing education that meet Florida's approval requirements for each year of inactive status. Section 455.711, F.S., concerns inactive and delinquent status licenses. Failure of a delinquent status licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null without any further action by the board or department. Any subsequent licensure shall be as a result of applying for and meeting all requirements imposed on an applicant for new licensure. Nutrition counselors must be extremely diligent in maintaining their licenses. Once a nutrition counselor's license becomes null and void, no alternative path exists to obtain a license because the grandfather act to license nutrition counselors expired on March 30, 1997. Up until that time, an applicant who practiced nutrition counseling previous to and on April 1, 1988, could be considered for a license. If a Nutrition Counselor's license were to become null and void, the only license available would be for licensure as a dietitian/nutritionist meeting the education and experience requirements set forth in this practice act. All dietitians/nutritionists and nutrition counselors should value their licenses and guard against delinquent and void status by following the rules. It is your responsibility as a licensed practitioner to know and abide by the current laws and rules governing your profession. Practicing as a dietitian/nutritionist or nutrition counselor with a delinquent or inactive license is prohibited and may subject you to investigation and disciplinary action. Remember that the rules may undergo changes at any time. You should check either with the Council office or see the web site for updates at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dietetics/ Supervised Practice Experience : What Preceptors and Supervisors Should Know was obtained must have been accredited at the time of the applicant's graduation by the appropriate accrediting agency recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education or their successor. If the applicant has an academic degree from a foreign country, the degree must be validated as equivalent to a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants with degrees from foreign countries also must have completed a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics or food management. The United States Department of Education must approve the accrediting agency. Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements will not be approved to sit for the licensure examination even if they have completed a supervised practice experience. ¨ The supervised practice experience must include at least 900 hours of planned and continuous supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics. Written objectives and plans for the supervised practice experience must be developed and provided before the student begins the experience. ¨ The role of the dietitian/nutritionist sponsoring the supervised practice experience is critical. (In this article, the dietitian/nutritionist sponsoring the supervised practice experience is referred to as the primary supervisor.) While the student may work under several preceptors during the course of the supervised practice experience, the primary supervisor is responsible for planning, documenting and ensuring that the student has met all of the practice requirements satisfactorily. Verification of the supervised practice experience is more than a matter of "signing a form" for someone who has either volunteered or worked under you or with you. ¨ The primary supervisor must complete a verification document available from the preceptor(s) who, in addition to the primary supervisor, provided direct supervision and accepted professional responsibility for the applicant's practice at each practice site - process used to communicate the types of services/activities performed by the applicant in cases where someone other than the primary supervisor of the experience served as the student's preceptor - a brief summary of the experiences provided for the applicant at each practice site and the roles/responsibilities of the primary supervisor/preceptor(s) in directing the applicant's experience at each practice site- nature of the relationship between the primary supervisor/preceptor(s) and the applicant at each practice site Florida Administrative Code, the practice experience shall include: "(a) participating in assessment of nutritional status and the application of dietary measures for maintenance of health and treatment of disease or trauma; (b) exposure to a cross-section of patients with varied education levels and lifestyles in different cultural, ethnic and economic settings and the opportunity to provide them with relevant nutrition counseling; (c) participation in and observing food management such as menu planning, purchasing, quality food production, food delivery, employee supervision, budgeting and other aspects of food service systems in institutional settings, The primary supervisor/preceptor shall be a dietitian nutritionist licensed under Part X, Chapter 468, Florida Statures, or equivalently prepared, if the supervised practice was completed in another jurisdiction. In the case of the latter, equivalency must be documented to the satisfaction of the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. The preceptor shall be available to the student at all times during which the student is performing dietetics and nutrition services for patients. (d) participating is assessment and counseling techniques that demonstrate integration of theretical training, psychological and behavior aspects of interpersonal relationships, documentation of appropriate interventions, and proper decision making." Does Continuing Education have you confused? WORRY NO MORE: The answers are here! REQUIREMENTS: Dietitians/nutritionists and nutrition counselors must complete a minimum of thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education in dietetics and nutrition practice within the twenty-four (24) month period prior to the expiration date of the license, of which no more than ten (10) hours may be in management, risk management, personal growth, and educational techniques. Up to ten hours of credit shall be accepted per biennium for approved home study courses. Those persons certified for licensure in the second half of the biennium are exempt from the continuing education requirements for that biennium. TIME FRAME: All licensed professionals begin to accumulate hours from March 1 of each odd year to February 28 of the next odd year. Certificates must be kept for four years following the end of the renewal period for which the continuing education was obtained. HOW, WHEN AND WHAT TO SUBMIT: The council will randomly audit a number of licensees after the renewal period to determine compliance with the continuing education requirements for renewal. If you are audited, you will be required to submit notarized copies of your continuing education certificates. CHANGE OF ADDRESS INFORMATION Review information on changing your address. PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: Department of Health |
|