In March 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Live Healthy Legislation” package of bills to expand training programs to develop and retain Florida health care workers and meet the needs of Florida’s growing population. Among the bills signed were Senate Bill 7016. The bill allows out-of-state Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) to obtain temporary certificates to practice in underserved areas in Florida, creates a limited license for medical school graduates who have passed exams but have not yet obtained placement in a residency program, enables multiple types of Department of Health licensees to enter into interstate licensure compacts, and enables internationally-trained physicians to more easily obtain licensure by endorsement, among other things.

Also enacted was Senate Bill 7018, related to health care implementation by administering a loan program to engage entrepreneurs and encourage innovation to address challenges in the health care industry. The loan program will be administered by the Department of Health and will provide low-interest loans to applicants in order to: fill a demonstrated need, obtain or upgrade equipment, adopt new technologies, or some combination of thereof.

For more information about the bills, as well as links to the text of the bills, please visit the link to the Governor’s press release.

The attorneys of Nicholson & Eastin routinely assist health care providers with Florida Department of Health licensure matters. If you are a health care provider and would like advice or assistance in obtaining a Florida medical or nursing license, please do not hesitate to contact us.