Area of Critical Need Facility Designations

Areas of Critical Need

In November of 2020, the Department streamlined the process of determining if a practice is in an area of critical need (ACN). In May 2022, new Determinations were issued which replaced the November 2020 Determination. An updated Determination was issued on August 10, 2022, which replaces all prior Determinations. This new Determination identifies the ACNs in Florida to be in primary care and mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), Volunteer Health Care Provider Program participant locations, or in a free clinic, if the free clinic is not located in a HPSA. The Determinations keeps language that allows physicians with an active ACN license to maintain that license until it is due for renewal, even if the location where the physician practices loses its HPSA designation.

To determine if an address is in a HPSA go to : Find Shortage Areas: HPSA by Address

Applicants of temporary certificates to practice will apply through the Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) website located at: https://flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing/temporary-certificate-for-practice-in-areas-of-critical-need/