All Roll Calls
Yes: 101 • No: 1
IdahoH 07872026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
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: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Stronger enforcement and penalties in podiatry
Beginning July 1, 2026, the board enforces strict conduct rules. It can subpoena, suspend or revoke, limit practice, and fine up to $10,000 per count, plus costs and attorney fees. Grounds include certain crimes, substance abuse, fraud, poor care, rule violations, bad peer‑review actions, or not cooperating. Unprofessional acts include gifts for patients, rebates, secret cures, false ads, title misuse, and hiring solicitors. It is a felony to practice, advertise, or claim to be a podiatrist without a license.
New rules for podiatry licensing and fees
Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho sets uniform podiatry licensing. Applicants pay up to $200 to apply and up to $400 for the first license. They must pass the national exam, complete a 24‑month residency with at least 12 months surgical training, pass a fingerprint check, and hold an approved degree with no disqualifying conviction. The board may license by endorsement if you hold an active license in another state and meet Idaho’s rules. To keep a license, you need 30 hours of education every two years, and renewal fees cannot be more than $500.
Fair hospital privileges for podiatrists
Beginning 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 required information is submitted. Privileges are set one by one based on training, experience, and skill. The admitting podiatrist must arrange needed services.
Podiatry oversight moves to medical board
Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Board of Medicine licenses and disciplines podiatrists. The division transfers podiatry board assets and liabilities to the medical board. All podiatry fees go to the Occupational Licenses Fund, which pays program costs. The medical board grows to eleven members, including one podiatrist; members serve five‑year terms. The old podiatry chapter and its IDAPA 24.11.01 rules are repealed. The act declares an emergency for the July 1, 2026 start. State law definitions are updated so 'Board' in chapter 44 includes the State Board of Podiatry.
What podiatrists can treat and where
Beginning July 1, 2026, podiatrists treat the human foot and leg, including casting for devices. They cannot amputate the leg, do knee surgery, operate above the mid‑tibia, or give or monitor general anesthesia. Advanced surgery must be done in a licensed hospital or an accredited surgery center with peer review. Podiatrists may give narcotics and other medicines for foot and leg care like physicians do.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Jeff Ehlers
Republican • House
Todd M. Lakey
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/25/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 34 • No: 0
House vote • 3/12/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 67 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2026 Session Law Chapter 217 Effective: 07/01/2026; 07/01/2026 IDAPA Sunset Clause - SECTION 6
3/30/2026Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
3/27/2026HouseReported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
3/26/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1
3/25/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/20/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/19/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/13/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 67-1-2
3/12/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/11/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/10/2026HouseReported Printed and Referred to Business
3/2/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
2/27/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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