Licensed midwives; qualifications; endorsement; temporary certificates.

(1) The department shall issue a license by endorsement to practice midwifery to an applicant who demonstrates to the department that she or he meets the requirements for licensure by endorsement under s. 456.0145, submits an application for licensure on a form approved by the department, and pays the appropriate fee.

(2) The department may issue a temporary certificate to practice in areas of critical need to an applicant qualifying for a midwifery license under subsection (1) who meets all of the following criteria:

(a) Submits an application for a temporary certificate on a form approved by the department and pays the appropriate fee, which may not exceed $50 and is in addition to the fee required for licensure by endorsement under subsection (1).

(b) Specifies on the application that he or she will practice only in one or more of the following locations:

1. A county health department.

2. A correctional facility.

3. A United States Department of Veterans Affairs clinic.

4. A community health center funded by s. 329, s. 330, or s. 340 of the Public Health Service Act.

5. Any other agency or institution that is approved by the State Surgeon General and provides health care to meet the needs of an underserved population in this state.

(c) Will practice only under the supervision of a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, a certified nurse midwife licensed under part I of chapter 464, or a midwife licensed under this chapter who has a minimum of 3 years’ professional experience.

(3) The department may issue a temporary certificate under this section with the following restrictions:

(a) A requirement that a temporary certificateholder practice only in areas of critical need. The State Surgeon General shall determine the areas of critical need, which include, but are not limited to, health professional shortage areas designated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(b) A requirement that if a temporary certificateholder’s practice area ceases to be an area of critical need, within 30 days after such change the certificateholder must either:

1. Report a new practice area of critical need to the department; or

2. Voluntarily relinquish the temporary certificate.

(4) The department shall review a temporary certificateholder’s practice at least annually to determine whether the certificateholder is meeting the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) and the rules adopted thereunder. If the department determines that a certificateholder is not meeting these requirements, the department must revoke the temporary certificate.

(5) A temporary certificate issued under this section is valid for 2 years and is not renewable.