Category: anita browning

By: Anita Browning, FRP

If you are a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) and looking to expand your career options, upgrading to a multistate nursing license could be a game-changer. The Nurse License Compact (NLC) allows nurses to hold one license that gives legal authority to practice in participating states without having to obtain additional licenses in each state. Although testing is not required, the process does require filing of paperwork.

What is a Multistate Nursing License?

With a multistate license, nurses can practice across state licenses, obtain travel nursing assignments more easily, relocate if necessary, and practice telehealth with patients in other participating states. As of today, 43 states are currently part of NLC including Florida. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. oversee the application process.

Image Credit: NCSBN https://www.nursecompact.com/index.page#map

Do You Qualify?

Applicants must meet the following uniform licensure requirements:

• A current RN, LPN, or LVN in the home state;
• Graduated from a board-approved education program;
• Pass an English proficiency exam (applies only to native language speakers and graduates of international programs);
• Passed an NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® examination;
• Submits to a criminal background check;
• No felony convictions;
• No misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing;
• Is not participating in an alternative program; and
• Has a valid U.S. Social Security Number.

The Role of the Florida Healthcare Law Firm

Upgrading to a multistate nursing license is a strategic career move that increases flexibility, income, and opportunity. However, the process requires careful compliance with legal obligations. To reduce legal risk, FHLA helps with careful review of the application, ensures the completeness of all required documentation, responds to Board inquiries related to the application, and stays on top of your application through its completion.

Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your multistate nursing license.

By: Anita Browning, FRP

In recent years, Florida has experienced a significant increase in the number of new medical spas (“medspas”) opening across the state. Since COVID, the focus for wellness and self-care has substantially increased. Medspas are hybrid in nature by combining medical services with retail and aesthetic offerings. As a result, it is one of the most closely regulated businesses. While much attention is often given to physical supervision and clinical compliance, business licensing requirements are frequently misunderstood or overlooked. This in turn creates an unnecessary legal risk for medspa owners.

Failure to obtain and maintain the proper business licenses can expose a medspa to fines, enforcement actions, or even forced closure. This article provides an overview of business licensing considerations for medspas and ways that the Florida Healthcare Law Firm can assist you with ensuring that your business is following required business licensure.

Business Licensing v. Medical Regulation in Florida

In Florida, a medspa’s ability to operate legally depends on both the compliance with healthcare laws and professional licensing requirements as well as proper business licensing and registration at the local levels. Thus, having the proper medical credentials and healthcare law compliance does not replace the requirement for business licenses. Regulatory agencies treat these obligations separately.

Zoning, Use, and Local Permits

Before opening, medspas must confirm that their location is properly zoned for medical service use. Depending on the city, additional approvals may be required such as zoning or land-use approval, certificate of occupancy and/or fire and building inspections. Local requirements vary throughout Florida. As a result of additional compliance requirements based on the city, obtaining the proper business licenses can be a common source of delay.

Local Business Tax Receipts

A business tax receipt authorizes the business to operate at a specific location and must typically be renewed annually. Florida does not issue a “one-size-fit-all” business license. Instead, the requirement to obtain a business tax receipt varies based on the city and county. A business tax receipt is required from both the county and the city or municipality in which the medspa operates.

Business Licensing Issues Triggered by Change

In Florida, business licenses and tax receipts may need to be updated or re-issued when there is a change in ownership, relocation to a new address, or an expansion to an additional location. Failure to comply with licensing updates can expose the business to enforcement action brought by the city and/or county.

The Role of the Florida Healthcare Law Firm

The process of obtaining the proper business licenses can be tedious and overwhelming, particularly when attention is focused on meeting remodeling, medical, and corporate practice requirements. Our team assists with identifying the applicable local business licenses, coordinating and attending required inspections, managing administrative tasks, and monitoring renewal deadlines on your behalf. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.