FL S0066

Establishes that failing to repay state or federally-issued student loans or complying with service scholarship obligations does not constitute grounds for disciplinary action against health care practitioners.

Removes the requirement that licenses be suspended and practitioners be fined 10 percent of defaulted loan amounts, with fines deposited into the Medical Quality Assurance Trust Fund.

Eliminates the Department of Health's requirement to investigate and prosecute health care practitioners for student loan defaults and scholarship non-compliance, and removes reporting requirements to the Legislature on such cases.

Repeals the automatic license suspension process for practitioners in student loan default, which previously required proof of new payment terms within 45 days of notice or triggered emergency license suspension.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.