Starting July 1, 2025, all Florida-licensed physicians will be required to complete electronic fingerprinting for background screening before renewing their licenses. This change comes as a result of HB 975 (2024), which removes the previous exemption for physicians licensed prior to January 2013. In the past, only those applying for initial licensure after that date were required to undergo this process.
Due to the expanded requirement, there have been notable delays in processing applications and renewals for healthcare professionals. The Department of Health recommends that physicians whose licenses are set to renew in January begin the background screening process immediately. Physicians will receive notification from the Department 90 days before their license expiration date and are advised to ensure their practitioner profile is updated with current contact information before this period begins. License renewal applications cannot be approved until all requirements, including background screening, are fulfilled.
A step-by-step guide and video tutorial are available to help practitioners initiate and track their background screening. Physicians who have already completed Level II background screening do not need to resubmit fingerprints.
After submission, fingerprints will be stored in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Physicians must retain their fingerprints every five years; otherwise, the information will be deleted automatically if not retained by the deadline. The Department will notify physicians about retention requirements approximately 60 days in advance by mail and e-mail. If new fingerprints are not submitted within 30 days after deletion, disciplinary action may follow. The Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) Website can be used at any time to check fingerprint retention status.
Employers of healthcare providers should also ensure staff compliance with these new regulations. Other professionals—including physician assistants, midwives, dieticians, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and others—are now likely subject to fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. Non-compliance could prevent employees from renewing their licenses and disrupt patient care.
Resources from the Department of Health are available for those affected by these changes. The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is offering guidance throughout this transition.
Mary Thomas, Esq., executive director of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans and former assistant general counsel for FMA, stated: “We understand these new requirements create additional administrative burdens, costs, and inconvenience. Please know that resources are available through the Department of Health and that the FMA is here to help guide you through the process.”