FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1255

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                          C 29 L 93

Brief Description:  Requiring podiatric physicians and surgeons to have one year of postgraduate podiatric medical training.

By Representatives Dellwo, Morris, Dyer, Flemming and Wood; by request of Department of Health.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services

Background:  The practice of podiatric medicine and surgery is regulated by the state and only licensed podiatric physicians and surgeons may practice unless otherwise authorized by law.

In order for an applicant to take an examination for licensure, the applicant must furnish proof that the applicant has not engaged in unprofessional conduct specified by law; is not unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety as a result of a physical or mental impairment; and has satisfactorily completed a course in an approved school of podiatric medicine.

Currently there is no requirement that the applicant complete a postgraduate podiatric program, nor can persons enrolled in postgraduate podiatric programs practice podiatric medicine in connection with their training.

Summary:  Applicants for licensure as podiatric physicians must complete one year of postgraduate podiatric medical training.  However, applicants graduating before July 1, 1993, are exempted from this requirement.

The board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is authorized to issue licenses to persons enrolled in approved postgraduate podiatric training programs for practice solely in connection with the training program and subject to supervision by a podiatric physician, physician, or osteopathic physician.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  98 0

Senate 45 1

Effective:  July 25, 1993