Bill > S1480

This bill modifies existing Florida laws to allow medical professionals, including physicians, osteopathic physicians, and nurses, to continue practicing in areas that were previously designated as having a "critical need" even after that designation is removed, provided they maintain an active primary care relationship with patients in that area and continue to meet all other licensing requirements. The bill also clarifies that temporary certificates for practice in areas of critical need are valid as long as the State Surgeon General determines the critical need still exists, or if the area loses its critical need designation but the certificate holder continues to provide primary care services to existing patients in that area and satisfies all other board requirements during annual reviews. These annual reviews by the respective boards (Board of Medicine, Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and Board of Nursing) are to ensure certificate holders are meeting minimum practice standards, with the possibility of revocation or restrictions if they are not.

Budget and Finance

Health Policy (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1480