FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health’s Orlando Unlicensed Activity (ULA) Unit announced that their joint investigation with the Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has led to the arrest of Wellington D. Liranzo for the alleged unlicensed practice of medicine, a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. He was also charged with Medicaid provider fraud.

An investigation conducted by MFCU revealed that Liranzo, an employee of Prime Care Family Health Center, committed Medicaid fraud by representing himself as a physician and treating Medicaid patients. The Department was contacted and determined that Liranzo is not licensed to practice medicine in the state of Florida.

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 Florida Department of Health’s website or calling 1-877-HALT-ULA.

The Department’s ULA program protects Florida residents and visitors from the potentially serious and dangerous consequences of receiving medical and health care services from an unlicensed person. The Department’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) investigates and refers for prosecution all unlicensed health care activity complaints and allegations. The Unlicensed Activity Unit works in conjunction with law enforcement and the state attorney’s offices to prosecute individuals practicing without a license. In many instances, unlicensed activity is a felony level criminal offense. More importantly, receiving health care from unlicensed people is dangerous and could result in further injury, disease or even death.

Working in conjunction with 22 boards and six councils, MQA regulates seven types of facilities and 200-plus license types in more than 40 health care professions. MQA evaluates the credentials of all applicants for licensure, issues licenses, analyzes and investigates complaints, inspects facilities, assists in prosecuting practice act violations, combats unlicensed activity and provides credential and discipline history about licensees to the public. Visit www.flhealthsource.com for additional information about MQA.

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.