HB1359 Summary

• Amends the Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act to add definitions for "address of record," "off-the-shelf device," and "Secretary," and modifies licensing and disciplinary provisions.

• Expands scope of practice to allow licensed advanced practice nurses (in addition to physicians and podiatrists) to issue orders for orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists to provide care and services.

• Creates new sections establishing penalties for returned checks ($50 fine), procedures for subpoenas and depositions, and civil penalties up to $10,000 for unlicensed practice.

• Adds new grounds for discipline including failure to pay taxes, inability to practice due to physical or mental illness, and failure to report child abuse, while increasing maximum disciplinary fines to $10,000 per violation.

• Modifies hearing procedures to require 30 days' notice (increased from 10 days), allows inactive license status with exemption from renewal fees, and permits Board members to participate in informal conferences without recusal from other proceedings.