Panel adopts amendment to preserve practice for clinicians in areas of critical need

TALLAHASSEE

Senators adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1480 and reported the bill favorably. The change creates a grandfathering pathway for practitioners who hold Area of Critical Need (ACN) certificates and have an active primary-care relationship at the time a federal de-designation occurs, allowing them to continue practicing in that locality subject to Board of Medicine oversight.

Chair Burton and supporters argued the measure protects continuity of care in communities with provider shortages. Dr. Rick Scinta, CEO of InovaCare, testified in support, saying his clinics serve many underserved and Spanish-speaking patients and that the grandfathering provision would preserve access: "This bill is very important to us because we have both ACN and fully licensed doctors all working together...we serve over 100,000 patients in Florida and we have about 37 clinics," he said (SEG 515SEG 521).

The committee adopted the strike-all (barcode 755302), approved the committee substitute and reported SB 1480 favorably. The bill now proceeds in the Senate process.