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IdahoH 07872026 regular legislative sessionHouse

PODIATRY – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for the Podiatric Medical Practice Act.

Sponsored By: HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

Signed by Governor

PODIATRY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Fair hospital privileges for podiatrists

Starting July 1, 2026, hospitals cannot deny medical staff membership just because an applicant is a podiatrist. Hospitals must act on applications within 120 days after getting required information. Privileges must match the podiatrist’s education, training, experience, and proven skill. The admitting podiatrist must arrange a medically licensed staff member to oversee the patient’s overall medical care while in the hospital.

New license rules and fees for podiatrists

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must hold an Idaho podiatry license to practice. To get licensed, you pay up to $200 to apply and up to $400 for the original license, pass all NBPME exam parts, complete at least 24 months of residency with 12 months of surgical training, and pass a fingerprint background check with no disqualifying convictions. Out-of-state podiatrists can apply by endorsement if they meet Idaho’s standards and pay the fee. To keep a license, you complete 30 hours of podiatry education every two years; the renewal fee cannot be more than $500.

Podiatry moves under State Board of Medicine

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Board of Medicine oversees podiatry licensing and discipline. The board has 11 members: physicians, one osteopathic physician, one podiatric physician, one physician assistant, and two public members. The old podiatry law and its rules (IDAPA 24.11.01) are repealed on July 1, 2026. Assets and debts of the former podiatry board move to the Board of Medicine, and podiatry fees go to the Occupational Licenses Fund. Statutes are updated so references to “board” cover the Board of Medicine instead of the podiatry board.

Stronger discipline and penalties for podiatrists

Starting July 1, 2026, the board can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for crimes, substance abuse, fraud, bad care, and refusing to cooperate. Unprofessional conduct includes kickbacks, deceptive ads, secret cures, and using improper titles. The board can subpoena records, run hearings, assess costs and attorney’s fees, and fine up to $10,000 per offense. Practicing or advertising as a podiatrist without a valid license is a felony.

What podiatrists can treat and where

Beginning July 1, 2026, podiatrists treat the foot, ankle, and soft tissues below the knee. They cannot do knee surgery, amputate the leg, operate on bones above the lower tibia half, or give or monitor general anesthesia. Advanced podiatry surgeries must be done in a licensed hospital or a certified surgery center accredited by The Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, with peer review in place. Podiatrists may give narcotics and other medicines for foot and leg problems like physicians.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Ehlers

    Republican • House

  • Todd M. Lakey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 101 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 67 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2026 Session Law Chapter 217 Effective: 07/01/2026; 07/01/2026 IDAPA Sunset Clause - SECTION 6

    3/30/2026

  2. Delivered to Governor at 12:01 p.m. on March 27, 2026

    3/27/2026

  3. Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor

    3/27/2026Senate

  4. Signed by President; returned to House

    3/26/2026Senate

  5. Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker

    3/26/2026Senate

  6. Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate

    3/26/2026House

  7. Returned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling

    3/25/2026House

  8. Read third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1

    3/25/2026Senate

  9. Read second time; filed for Third Reading

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Introduced, read first time; referred to: Commerce & Human Resources

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Received from the House passed; filed for first reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  13. Read Third Time in Full – PASSED - 67-1-2

    3/12/2026House

  14. Read second time; Filed for Third Reading

    3/11/2026House

  15. Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading

    3/10/2026House

  16. Reported Printed and Referred to Business

    3/2/2026House

  17. Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

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