The recent enactment of Florida Senate Bill 7016 by Governor Ron DeSantis has opened new avenues for Cuban doctors and other foreign-trained healthcare professionals, allowing them to practice in the United States without the need for a residency period.
This legislation represents a significant shift in revalidation exam policies, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of doctors and nurses in Florida. To aid in the implementation of this law, Solidaridad Sin Fronteras and Green Cross Miami have partnered with a legal firm in Tallahassee to offer legal advice. The official launch of this program is scheduled for this Wednesday.
"A large number of Cuban doctors are attending the Solidaridad Sin Fronteras event to obtain information on how to validate their credentials and work in Florida. Excellent work by Dr. Julio César Alfonso," noted journalist Mario J. Pentón on social media, sharing a photo of a long line of interested individuals.
Solidaridad Sin Fronteras, along with Green Cross Miami, will provide advisory services to professionals looking to benefit from this law. Taimy Venereo, President of Green Cross Miami, expressed optimism about the law's impact, even though she couldn't specify the exact number of beneficiaries.
"All I can say is that many of us will benefit from this new law," Venereo told Telemundo 51. "We will address these professionals directly via Zoom to guide them step-by-step on what they need to do," she added.
Dr. Julio César Alfonso, President of Solidaridad Sin Fronteras, explained that the law removes the residency requirement for those who can prove they graduated from a recognized medical school. He highlighted the urgency of the measure, noting that nearly 34% of specialists in the state are over 60 years old, and fewer educational programs are producing new doctors.
"This includes, for instance, medical universities in Cuba. Professionals will have to demonstrate they have been active in medical service for the past four years to qualify," Alfonso stated. "More demand and fewer doctors equal a crisis. That's why the government has to take measures like this," Alfonso emphasized.
Dr. Alfonso also noted that Family Nurse Practitioners and others with patient-practice experience might qualify, as well as those who have worked in international programs in other countries. For more information, individuals can contact Solidaridad Sin Fronteras at 305-884-4110. It is estimated that over 30,000 Cuban doctors could benefit from this measure.
In March, Solidaridad Sin Fronteras and Green Cross had already introduced another international medical aid program in Miami, aimed at replacing the forced labor of Cuban doctors abroad. Cuban medical professionals, whether they have defected from medical missions or not, will be able to offer their services and knowledge in Latin American countries, which according to Alfonso, will also help them qualify for the new law's benefits once they complete their service.
The program is expected to potentially benefit thousands of Cuban doctors and other foreign-trained professionals residing in the United States who have not been able to revalidate their credentials and wish to practice.
FAQs about Florida's New Medical Credential Revalidation Law
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the new legislation and its impact on Cuban doctors and other foreign-trained healthcare professionals in Florida.
What does Florida Senate Bill 7016 entail?
Florida Senate Bill 7016 allows foreign-trained healthcare professionals, including Cuban doctors, to practice in Florida without completing a residency period, provided they meet certain criteria.
Who can benefit from this new law?
The law is expected to benefit over 30,000 Cuban doctors and other foreign-trained healthcare professionals who can prove they graduated from a recognized medical school and have been active in medical service for the past four years.
How can interested professionals get more information?
Professionals seeking more information can contact Solidaridad Sin Fronteras at 305-884-4110 or attend the advisory sessions offered by the organization.