FL H0657

Expands the purpose of Florida's Medical Education Reimbursement and Loan Repayment Program to include providing primary care to racial and ethnic minority populations experiencing health disparities due to limited access to quality health care, in addition to the existing goal of encouraging practice in underserved locations

Adds a new eligibility pathway allowing practitioners to receive payments by proving that at least 50 percent of their primary care patient population consists of racial or ethnic minorities in Florida

Extends eligibility for autonomous practice advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in family medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine, or midwifery, with payments of up to $15,000 per year for those serving racial or ethnic minority populations or practicing in primary care health professional shortage areas

Maintains existing payment levels of up to $4,000/year for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, up to $10,000/year for APRNs and physician assistants, and up to $20,000/year for physicians

Effective date of July 1, 2022