ND HB1098

Board of Podiatric Medicine may subpoena podiatrists and medical records relating to their practice during investigations, with confidentiality protections maintained.

Podiatrists and license applicants under investigation must cooperate fully with the board by responding promptly to questions and providing patient medical records, with the board paying for copies.

Podiatrists must delete patient identifying information from records before providing them to the board unless the board has written patient consent or the records were subpoenaed.

Board may subpoena witnesses, employ independent investigators, hold confidential conferences with complainants or podiatrists, and issue formal complaints if violations of section 43-05-16 are found.

House vote: 72-10 (12 absent); Senate vote: 42-3 (2 absent).