FL S0948

Removes student loan repayment failure and scholarship obligation non-compliance as grounds for disciplinary action against health care practitioners under Florida law.

Eliminates the minimum penalty of license suspension, probation, and a fine equal to 10 percent of the defaulted loan amount that previously applied to practitioners in default.

Removes the requirement that the Department of Health investigate and prosecute health care practitioners for failing to repay student loans or comply with service scholarship obligations.

Eliminates the requirement that the Department of Health report to the Legislature on the number of practitioners in default, investigation and prosecution results, and fines collected related to student loan and scholarship violations.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.