floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov: An Often Overlooked Resource
Many of our courses refer to www.floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov, but have you ever actually familiarized yourself with the site? Sure, we know to go there to apply for licensure and for renewals. Of course we also visit the page constantly to check our application status while anxiously awaiting to become “official”. But there is so much more there!
On the “Home” page along that dark blue banner near the top, you see all the buttons for applying and renewals. You can also enter your email address to receive updates about changes to rules and laws or upcoming important dates. Under “Licensing” and “Renewals” you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for licensure or renewing your license. Under “Resources” you’ll find information about exams, waivers, forms, Florida Statutes and Codes, information about telehealth, and a link to a long list of links providing information on a variety of topics. For example, did you know there are 72 diseases and conditions that all practitioners are required to report to the County Health Department? The “Board” page shows a listing of current board members and staff.
The second to the last item along that top banner is “Meetings”. What a huge resource this is. Board meetings take place quarterly at different locations in the state. They address many topics including disciplinary actions and rule discussions. Not only does this page announce meetings and share the agenda, but previous meeting minutes are available. Full audio recordings of the meetings are also posted. These minutes include updates and any discussion that took place surrounding the updates. This is a great way to stay on top of our always evolving industry!
AA Ross Family Counseling posts changes to Florida Laws and Rules to our website under “Industry News”, providing an additional resource to easily find information as it becomes available. For registered interns in mental health professions who are regulated by Chapter 491 and seeking initial licensure in Florida, our 8 Hour Laws & Rules Course is a comprehensive discussion on many pertinent and often complicated topics which are essential for us to learn and apply every day. The course requires an interactive portion, which we provide as a one-on-one phone conversation, providing an opportunity to ask questions and walk through case scenarios. The course is available as a stand-alone course, or as part of our Initial License Package.