ID H0496

Repeals the existing podiatry chapter and establishes a new Podiatric Medical Practice Act, transferring regulatory oversight of podiatrists from a separate board to the State Board of Medicine effective July 1, 2026

Defines podiatry as diagnosis and treatment of the human foot and leg, including surgical treatment of the foot, ankle, and soft tissues below the knee, but excludes leg amputation, knee joint surgery, and administration of general anesthesia

Requires applicants to graduate from an approved podiatry school, complete an accredited podiatric residency, pass a competency exam, and submit to fingerprint-based background checks, with application fees capped at $400

Establishes that practicing podiatry without a license constitutes a felony, and authorizes disciplinary actions including license revocation, suspension, public reprimand, and administrative fines up to $10,000 per offense

Adds one podiatric physician member to the 11-member State Board of Medicine and changes all board member terms to five years at the governor's pleasure