Statement from State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong on Suspending Licenses
Contact: DOH Communications,
(850) 245- 4111
Statement from State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong on Suspending Licenses
“Yesterday, I signed emergency suspension orders (ESOs) suspending the licenses of 81 unscrupulous massage therapists who obtained their transcripts through fraud. Today, I had the opportunity to talk with massage therapy schools and colleges across our state to share with them what our Department has uncovered and how we can learn from this experience to improve our processes and licensing system. We have encouraged our Florida approved massage therapy schools to evaluate their transcript processes and identify best practices for preventing such behavior and we encourage educational institutions nationwide to do the same. The Department of Health will begin notifying state massage therapy boards nationwide with the help of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards to ensure that the esteemed profession of massage therapy is held in the highest regard.
The massage industry continues to be a vital component of Florida’s economy and we want to ensure that those who utilize massage therapy for relaxation or therapeutic services can feel secure that their therapist is fully qualified and licensed to provide this service.”
The Florida Department of Health’s mission is to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state and community efforts, including cooperative agreements with counties. For more information, visit the Department’s website.
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