FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health served 24 cease-and-desist notices during August to individuals practicing health care without a license, which is a felony-level criminal offense in many instances. Treatment by an unlicensed provider is dangerous and could result in further injury, disease or even death.

• Bella Spa & Salon Inc, Fort Walton Beach, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Marty Coulbourn, Fort Walton Beach, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Ruth Cula, Aventura, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Ruth Cula, Aventura, unlicensed practice of medicine
• Dollar Way Plus, Tampa, unlicensed practice of pharmacy
• Dream Spa, Tallahassee, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Diana E Elliott, Orlando, unlicensed practice of electrolysis
• Lisa Gaeta, Cape Canaveral, unlicensed practice of nursing
• Frances Haddock, Aventura, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Kim Haverhals, Panama City, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Diane Heinz, Altamonte Springs, unlicensed practice of medicine
• Hyo Hua, Tallahassee, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Alberto J Lobo, Doral, unlicensed practice of medicine
• Maher Masoud, Tampa, unlicensed practice of pharmacy
• Dawn Ann Molina, Tampa, unlicensed practice of dietetics/nutrition
• Dawn Ann Molina, Tampa, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• New Image New Life Spa, Aventura, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Mary E O'Halloran, Tampa, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Jeanie Marie Skinner, Tampa, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Xiaoyan Tian, Tallahassee, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Arlene Eleanor Underwood, Indialantic, unlicensed practice of physical therapy
• Chen Lan Wang, Doral, unlicensed practice of massage therapy
• Jennifer Xiao (2 notices), Doral, unlicensed practice of massage therapy

The Department’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Unlicensed Activity program under authority of Florida Statute 456.065 protects Florida residents and visitors from the potentially serious consequences of receiving health care services from an unlicensed person. The Unlicensed Activity (ULA) program investigates all unlicensed health care activity complaints and allegations and works in conjunction with law enforcement and the state attorney’s offices to prosecute individuals practicing without a license.

The Department has several resources to combat unlicensed activity:

• Consumers are encouraged to use the Department’s website, www.flhealthsource.com, where they can conveniently view the license information of their health care practitioner.
• Complaints may be filed anonymously by completing and mailing the complaint form on the Department’s website, or by calling 1-877-HALT-ULA. Complaints may also be filed via email at HALTULA@flhealth.gov.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. During 2014, the Department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.