FL S1082

Creates the hardship evaluation program to fund mental or physical evaluations for enrolled students preparing for licensure as health care practitioners or veterinarians who are referred to an impaired practitioner program but cannot afford required evaluations.

Establishes eligibility requirements: students must be enrolled in Florida institutions, referred to an impaired practitioner program, eligible for program participation, require evaluation by an approved evaluator, and demonstrate financial hardship (unemployed, receiving public assistance, or earning at or below 150 percent of federal poverty level).

Designates the impaired practitioner program consultant as solely responsible for eligibility determination, which is final and not subject to administrative review under chapter 120; consultant need not verify authenticity of financial documentation.

Requires consultants to redact student identifiable information when submitting evaluator invoices to the Department of Health for direct payment and to provide monthly progress reports without student identifiable information.

Funds the program through the Medical Quality Assurance Trust Fund via legislative appropriation or approved budget amendment, with the program ceasing operation if available funding is exhausted during a fiscal year.