Which state agency develops long-range plans for governing licensed and unlicensed healthcare professionals?

Which state agency develops long-range plans for governing licensed and unlicensed healthcare professionals?

• A. Board of Nursing
• B. Department of Health
• C. Florida Administrative Code & Register
• D. Florida Center for Nursing

Answer: (B)

The Department of Health is the state agency responsible for developing long-range plans that govern both licensed and unlicensed healthcare professionals. It oversees regulatory functions and coordinates with the professional boards to shape statewide policy and ensure proper workforce regulation. The Board of Nursing handles licensure, scope of practice, and discipline for nurses but operates under the department rather than driving broad long-range planning across all health professions. The Florida Administrative Code & Register publishes rules, not planning. The Florida Center for Nursing provides workforce data and policy information but is not the regulatory body that creates long-range plans.

The Department of Health is the state agency responsible for developing long-range plans that govern both licensed and unlicensed healthcare professionals. It oversees regulatory functions and coordinates with the professional boards to shape statewide policy and ensure proper workforce regulation. The Board of Nursing handles licensure, scope of practice, and discipline for nurses but operates under the department rather than driving broad long-range planning across all health professions. The Florida Administrative Code & Register publishes rules, not planning. The Florida Center for Nursing provides workforce data and policy information but is not the regulatory body that creates long-range plans.