MarylandHB 06192026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

Sponsored By: Bonnie Cullison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsApplicants and ApplicationsAssessments -see also- Property TaxAttorney GeneralAuditors and AuditsAwareness and OutreachBiometrics -see also- Artificial Intelli; Identif; FingerprtBonds -see also- County & Baltimore City Bonds; State BondsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCommittees and CommissionsContracts -see also- ProcurementControlled Dangerous Substances -see also- Drugs; OpioidsCopyrightCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Criminal Background InvestigationsData -see also- Census; DemographicsDisciplineDisclosureDistrict CourtsEthicsFederal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFingerprintingGiftsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Information TechnologyInsurance -see also- Health Ins; MAIF; Motor Vehicle InsIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Interstate AffairsInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestJudicial Review -see also- AppealsLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsLegislative Services, Department ofLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMediation -see also- ArbitrationMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentNoticesOpen GovernmentPersonal PropertyPetitionsPodiatristsPrivacyProcurementPublic InformationReal PropertyRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationReportsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesSubpoenasTimeVirtual EnvironmentsVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In VotingWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger cross-state oversight of podiatrists

The Commission keeps a confidential database of compact podiatrists, and boards must report public actions and required discipline data. Boards may run joint investigations and share records, and a subpoena from one member state is enforceable in others. If your principal‑state license is suspended, revoked, or surrendered for discipline, your compact licenses in other states match that status and are automatically suspended for 90 days so investigations can proceed. Boards can later end or change the automatic status under their own laws.

Maryland starts after four states join

Maryland joins the Compact only after at least four other states pass similar laws. Beginning October 1, 2026, the law takes effect in Maryland when that threshold is met. The Maryland Department of Health must notify the Department of Legislative Services within 10 days after the fourth state enacts.

State assessments to fund the compact

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission can charge each member state an annual assessment to fund its approved budget when other money is not available. The total is split by a formula the Commission sets, and it cannot spend money it does not have or pledge state credit without authority. The Commission must keep financial records and include them in its annual report.

Faster multistate licenses for podiatrists

Beginning October 1, 2026, once four other states have enacted similar laws, podiatrists can get an expedited multistate license through the Compact. You must have accredited schooling, pass Parts I–III, finish residency, hold recognized specialty certification, and hold a full, unrestricted license. You pick a State of Principal License where you live, do at least 25% of your practice, your employer is located, or your federal tax residence. You apply through that board; it verifies you, runs FBI checks, and after you register and pay fees, other states issue expedited licenses for their normal terms. To keep licenses, you stay in good standing, meet continuing education, and have no new disqualifying convictions or discipline; you practice under the laws of the state where the patient is located.

New commission to run the compact

The law creates an Interstate Commission to run the Compact. Each member state appoints one voting member, and the Commission meets at least once a year. It can make binding rules, issue opinions, hire staff, set bylaws, and enforce the Compact in federal court; officers and staff have legal immunity for job‑related acts except for intentional misconduct. The Commission offers mediation and binding dispute resolution, may find states in default after notice, and can end a state’s membership if problems are not fixed. States can withdraw by law after one year and remain liable for dues through the withdrawal date; courts can review Commission rules, compact rules override conflicting state laws to the extent of the conflict, and the Compact dissolves if only one state remains.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026