Bill > H0496

This bill establishes the Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Idaho, repealing the previous chapter on podiatrists and creating a new one. It defines podiatry as the diagnosis and treatment of ailments of the human foot and leg, including surgical treatment of the foot and ankle and related soft tissue structures below the knee, but excluding amputation of the leg or surgery above the knee. The bill mandates licensure as a prerequisite to practicing podiatry, outlines the powers and duties of the State Board of Medicine in overseeing podiatrist licensing, including setting examination and residency requirements, and details the application process, which includes background checks and competency exams. It also specifies grounds for license suspension, denial, or revocation, such as criminal convictions, substance abuse, or unprofessional conduct, and defines what constitutes unprofessional conduct for podiatrists. Furthermore, the bill allows for licensure by endorsement for those already licensed in other states and makes practicing podiatry without a license a felony. Finally, it amends existing law to include a podiatric physician and surgeon on the State Board of Medicine and clarifies that hospital medical staff membership cannot be denied solely based on a podiatry license.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0496/