The Florida Senate

Adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses. However, the department may issue up to a 4-year license to selected licensees notwithstanding any other law to the contrary. Fees for such renewal may not exceed the fee caps for individual professions on an annualized basis as authorized by law.

Appoint the executive director of the board, subject to the approval of the board.

Submit an annual budget to the Legislature at a time and in the manner provided by law.

Develop a training program for persons newly appointed to membership on the board. The program shall familiarize such persons with the substantive and procedural laws and rules and fiscal information relating to the regulation of the profession and with the structure of the department.

Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this chapter. The department also is authorized to join with, or withhold approval of, rules proposed for adoption by the board.

Establish uniform application and other forms, including certificates of licensure, necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter. This subsection does not authorize the department to vary any substantive requirements, duties, or eligibilities for licensure or certification as provided by law.

Establish by rule procedures by which the department shall use the expert or technical advice of the board for the purposes of investigation, inspection, evaluation of applications, other duties of the department, or any other areas the department may deem appropriate.

Require all proceedings of the board or panel thereof and all formal or informal proceedings conducted by the department, an administrative law judge, or a hearing officer with respect to licensing or discipline to be electronically recorded in a manner sufficient to ensure the accurate transcription of all matters so recorded.

Select only those investigators, or consultants who undertake investigations, who meet criteria established with the advice of the board.

Have authority to:

Provide legal counsel for the board by contracting with the Department of Legal Affairs, by retaining private counsel pursuant to s. 287.059, or by providing department staff counsel. The board shall periodically review and evaluate the services provided by its board counsel. Fees and costs of such counsel shall be paid from the General Inspection Trust Fund, subject to ss. 215.37 and 472.011. All contracts for independent legal counsel must provide for periodic review and evaluation by the board and the department of services provided.