FL S1742

Authorizes the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to apply impaired practitioner program provisions and exercise powers of the Department of Health regarding health care practitioners under their jurisdiction.

Expands the definition of "health care practitioner" to include persons licensed to provide medical transportation services and radiological services under part III of chapter 401 and part IV of chapter 468.

Exempts practitioners from license disqualification for prior drug-related felony convictions if they were suffering from addiction or impairment at the time of conduct and subsequently completed or are participating in an impaired practitioner program.

Requires the State Surgeon General to issue an emergency order suspending or restricting a practitioner's license within 10 business days if an impaired practitioner treatment program reports the practitioner is not progressing satisfactorily and poses immediate danger to public health and safety.

Allows impaired practitioner consultant entities to employ medical directors or registered nurse executive directors without requiring substance abuse or mental health provider licensure under chapters 394, 395, or 397, and establishes confidentiality protections for information maintained by consultants regarding impaired licensees.