Recent changes in Florida’s medical regulations are affecting how physicians and physician assistants (PAs) practice, train, and enter the workforce. The Florida Board of Medicine has clarified rules regarding prescriptive authority for PAs with an Area of Critical Need (ACN) license. According to Section 458.347(4)(e), F.S., only fully licensed PAs may be delegated prescriptive authority. The Board proposed a rule on June 13 stating that ACN-licensed PAs cannot be given this authority. The Legislature also passed HB 1299, which limits ACN licenses to PAs already licensed in any U.S. state.
Concerns were raised about many ACN applicants coming from Puerto Rico, where PAs are not granted prescriptive authority or trained in pharmacology.
Office surgery inspections have revealed repeated deficiencies, such as incomplete crash cart supplies, even after registrants corrected previous issues. The Surgical Care and Quality Assurance Committee suggested holding a joint meeting with the Board of Osteopathic Medicine to ensure consistent regulations between allopathic and osteopathic practices. They also discussed adopting an enforcement policy similar to the Board of Pharmacy: if an entity fails inspection for the same issue more than once, an administrative complaint would be filed automatically.
Licensure changes tied to the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act have complicated matters for new healthcare professionals moving into Florida. By removing profession-specific endorsement statutes, some qualified professionals have been unable to practice in the state. The MOBILE Act also prevented newly licensed residents from practicing in Florida for three years, creating challenges for physician recruitment efforts. In response, amendments to HB 1299 restored residency training as qualifying active practice and reduced the waiting period for licensure from three years to two.
The Agency for Health Care Administration’s (AHCA) Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee was created by legislation in 2024 but was eliminated by lawmakers in 2025 before its first annual report could be delivered. The committee had focused on evaluating state investments in physician workforce development and noted concerns about a potential reduction of nearly half of Florida’s obstetrician workforce over two years.
At a March meeting of the Physician Workforce Advisory Council (PWAC), panelists including Chris Cogle, MD—Florida Medicaid Chief Medical Officer—and representatives from the Council of Florida Medical School Deans discussed GME program performance and recommendations for improving physician workforce pipelines. They highlighted successful expansion through programs like Slots for Docs and FRAME loan repayment initiatives, both funded through legislative advocacy by the Florida Medical Association (FMA). Panelists also addressed ongoing financial challenges related to faculty development costs and rising living expenses that can deter physicians from working or training in certain areas.
“Both the Slots for Docs and FRAME programs were created and funded through successful FMA legislative advocacy.”
FMA members seeking information about regulatory activities can contact legal@flmedical.org or call (850) 224-6496.
Mary Thomas, Esq., executive director of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans and former FMA assistant general counsel, continues representing FMA before state regulatory boards.