KentuckySB 182026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to health services.

Sponsored By: Craig Richardson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Administrative Regulations And ProceedingsBoards And CommissionsCannabisDrugs And MedicinesHealth And Medical ServicesHealth Care ProfessionalsHospitals And Health FacilitiesLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsPhysiciansSubstance Use

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier Kentucky licenses for podiatrists

You can get a Kentucky podiatry license by passing the state exam or by showing certified proof you passed all parts of the national APMLE in the last 10 years. The board still checks all other licensure requirements. If you already hold a podiatry license from another state earned by written exam, and that state’s standards are at least as high as Kentucky’s, the board issues a license without a new exam.

Two-year residency needed for new podiatrists

Beginning January 1, 2027, first-time Kentucky podiatry applicants must complete at least two years of podiatric residency. Your sponsoring institution must send proof of completion directly to the board. Without this proof, the board does not issue the initial license.

New rules for podiatry residents, assistants, PAs

Podiatric residents licensed by the board may treat patients as part of an approved residency, under a licensed podiatrist’s supervision and board rules. Licensed podiatric assistants may perform tasks the board allows by regulation. To supervise a physician assistant in podiatry, a podiatrist must get approval from the medical licensure board and the State Board of Podiatry, file required applications and fees, and match tasks to the PA’s training. A podiatrist may supervise no more than four PAs at one time. Supervision must include clear oversight and performance review, and the board can set limits and discipline noncompliance.

Type 1 diabetes info for families

The Department of Education, with public health and diabetes experts, provides free Type 1 diabetes materials for parents. The materials explain the disease, risks, and warning signs, recommend early screening with a blood autoantibody test, and advise talking with your child’s doctor. School districts and public charter schools must post the materials on websites, place them at each school’s main entrance, and offer them in family resource and youth centers.

Updated podiatry enforcement references

The law updates statute numbers for podiatry enforcement, hearings, investigations, and penalties to cite KRS 311.380 through 311.500. This helps officials and providers find the right rules and does not change anyone’s rights, duties, or fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Craig Richardson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Stephen Meredith
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 91 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/6/2026