APMA is pleased to share two recent state advocacy victories that reflect the impact of both direct APMA financial assistance and broader advocacy and grassroots engagement.
Kentucky became the 13th state and US territory to adopt DPM authority to supervise physician assistants!
With grant support from APMA, the Kentucky Podiatric Medical Association (KYPMA) successfully passed legislation that incorporated several key policy priorities for Kentucky podiatric physicians. Senate Bill 18 authorized podiatrists to supervise physician assistants and continued the advancement of podiatric assistant licensure and regulation. Thie bill also included a requirement for DPMs to complete an accredited podiatric residency program and creation of a podiatric resident license to delineate residents from fully licensed DPMs. Collectively, these reforms strengthen the podiatric profession in Kentucky by elevating state standards for training and practice and state licensure requirements into closer alignment with national accreditation and education requirements for today’s podiatrists.
Maryland became the first state to adopt the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact!
The Maryland Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) is the first state component to pass the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (IPMLC) legislation (HB0619/SB0333). The legislation was signed by the governor on April 14. APMA provided meaningful support to MPMA in this effort by submitting letters supporting the legislation, coordinating a grassroots campaign, and working alongside state component leaders as the bill advanced. Passage of this legislation in Maryland is an important and momentous step, which will allow DPMs reciprocity in state licensure as more states pass the legislation.
These victories reflect the impact of strong state partnerships and APMA’s continued commitment to supporting state components through grant funding, advocacy resources, and direct legislative support. State efforts like these help strengthen the podiatric workforce, advance parity, and ensure podiatrists can practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Contact the APMA Advocacy Department with any questions at advocacy@apma.org.