1. Florida medical professions face new criminal background checks before hiring
Physicians and a long list of medical professionals have new licensing rules to deal with in Florida.
Before they can get licensed for the first time or when their renewal comes around, getting fingerprinted is a new task under a law that took effect July 1.
Called the “Clear to Care,” the law says nearly all health care professionals must comply with revised background screening requirements when applying for an initial license or renewing an existing license with a fingerprinting rule.
Some professions, such as dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, acupuncturists and some other allied providers, had not been subject to prior background screening before initial licensure or on a continuing basis.
An unknown is if the “Cleared to Care Act” will have an impact on physician recruitment in the state that’s been plagued by a physician shortage, where patients often face delays for timely care. – Liz Freeman/USA TODAY Network-Florida
2. FWC investigates two deaths in Marco Island boating accident
Two Marco Island residents have died after being thrown from their personal watercraft.
Stephen R. Mariani, 67, and Rita Mariani, 49, struck a boat lift in Caxambas Bay, ejecting both, on Sunday, Sept. 21, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Both died from their injuries, FWC said.
The incident is still under investigation.
The FWC is asking witnesses or anyone who has footage of the accident to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. – Tayeba Hussein/USA TODAY Network-Florida
3. Homeless man charged in Golden Gate homicide
Collier County sheriff’s detectives say they made an arrest in an Aug. 17 Golden Gate homicide.
Anthony Michael Felix, 22, was arrested early Sept. 21 and charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 54-year-old Juan Coc Xo, CCSO said in a news release.
The homicide happened around 2 a.m. Aug. 17. Xo and a friend were walking home on 41st Terrace SW when a vehicle pulled up and tried to rob the men. Xo refused to hand over his valuables and was shot. He died on the scene, the release said.
Investigators said they identified Felix, who is listed as homeless, as a suspect. At 1:54 a.m. Sept. 21, a traffic stop was conducted at Vanderbilt Road and U.S. 41, and Felix was a passenger in the vehicle. Deputies arrested him and transported him to the Naples Jail Center.
‘I’m proud of our detectives for their determination in this case,’ Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in the news release. – Dave Osborn/USA TODAY Network-Florida
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: 3 To Know: Florida medical professions face new criminal background checks, more
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
