FL H1119

Department of Health shall conduct a pilot project implementing the Medical Education Reimbursement and Loan Repayment Program in 12 specified counties: Calhoun, DeSoto, Glades, Gulf, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Putnam, and Taylor Counties.

Pilot project will evaluate the program's effectiveness combined with similar federal programs like the National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program in encouraging medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine to practice in underserved areas with primary care specialties.

Pilot project will assess long-term retention rates of participating medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine in underserved locations of the pilot counties.

Department of Health must submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House before the 2021 regular legislative session, with the pilot project subsection expiring June 30, 2021.

Department of Health authorized to adopt rules, request budget funding for medical education reimbursement, loan repayments, program administration, and pilot project implementation; act takes effect July 1, 2014.