

	FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARRESTS IN PEMBROKE PARK TALLAHASSEE— The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) South Florida Unlicensed Activity (ULA) Unit announced that their joint investigation with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has led to the arrest of Viviana E. Arias and Jessica Castaneda in connection with the unlicensed practice of massage therapy, with Arias also being charged with one count of solicitation of prostitution. Additionally, Ivan Guillem and John M. Raimonda were arrested during the investigation, and both were charged with one count each of the operation of an unlicensed massage establishment. Marie C. Reina was also taken into custody during this investigation in connection with immigration violations. The unlicensed practice of massage therapy is a first degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office conducted “Operation Red Light” in connection with anonymous complaints received through the Broward Crime Stoppers tip line alleging that massage services were being provided by unlicensed individuals at “Refreshing Spa” located at 3107 West Hallandale Beach Blvd, Pembroke Park, Florida. A joint BSO/DOH investigation was initiated, and revealed that the business was operating as an unlicensed massage establishment. On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 BSO detectives, DOH ULA investigators and local county Code Enforcement officers conducted a joint undercover operation at the business, at which time, Arias allegedly provided a massage to an undercover detective and also allegedly offered prostitution-related services with the detective. Arias was taken into custody without incident and transported. Guillem and Raimonda, who claimed to be the joint owners of the establishment, were present at the time of the investigation and were each given a Notice to Appear (NTA) notice in lieu of a physical arrest and released. During this investigation, several additional suspected unlicensed massage establishments were placed under surveillance in the immediate vicinity. An undercover detective entered one of these businesses named Garden Paradise, located at 3101 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd, Pembroke Park, Florida, where he requested and was offered massage services by Castanedas, who was then placed into custody. Castanedas was issued an NTA and released from custody. Reina was observed in the place of business during this operation and, after routine questioning by detectives, was determined to have an outstanding arrest warrant for immigration violations. Reina was arrested and transported without incident. None of these individuals have ever been licensed to practice a health care profession within Florida. DOH has several resources to combat unlicensed activity: Consumers are encouraged to use DOH’s Web site 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 DOH Web site or calling 1-877-HALT-ULA or 1-888-419-3456. The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) unlicensed activity program protects Florida residents and visitors from the potentially serious and dangerous consequences of receiving medical and health care services from an unlicensed person. DOH’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. The mission of the Department of Health and MQA is to promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Florida. Working in conjunction with 22 boards and six councils, MQA regulates seven types of facilities and 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 http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/ for additional information about MQA.