This bill repeals the existing Chapter 6 of Title 54 of the Idaho Code concerning podiatrists and introduces the Podiatric Medical Practice Act. The new chapter defines podiatry, establishes licensure as a prerequisite for practice, and outlines the powers and duties of the State Board of Medicine. It includes provisions for application and examination for licensure, license issuance and renewals, grounds for license suspension or revocation, and definitions of unprofessional conduct. Practicing podiatry without a license is classified as a felony. The bill also amends existing sections of the Idaho Code to revise the composition of the State Board of Medicine to include a member licensed in podiatric medicine and makes technical corrections to enhance the regulatory framework governing podiatry in Idaho.

Additionally, the bill addresses medical staff membership for podiatrists, prohibiting denial based solely on holding a podiatry license and mandating that membership criteria be reasonable and non-discriminatory. It establishes a 120-day timeframe for acting on medical staff membership applications and emphasizes that clinical privileges for podiatrists should be based on individual qualifications. The bill updates the definition of "Board" in Section 54-4401 by removing references to the state board of podiatry and replacing it with the state board of chiropractic physicians. It clarifies the responsibilities of medical staff members regarding patient care and specifies that the admitting podiatrist is responsible for arranging services of a licensed medical staff member. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 54-1805, 39-1395, 54-4401