AN ACT relating to prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics.
     Create new sections of KRS Chapters 311.380 to 311.510 to license and regulate practitioners of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics; define terms; require licensure from the State Board of Podiatry; establish minimum qualifications for licensure; direct the board to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the proper training for licensure; grant the board the discretion to include examinations or other requirements in the regulations; forbid treatment of patients without a physician or podiatrist's written referral and medical diagnostic examination review; create licensure exceptions for certain students and faculty within the fields of orthotics, prosthetics, orthotic fitting, and pedorthics; make licensees subject to all of the disciplinary provisions applicable to podiatrists as set forth in KRS Chapter 311; limit the chapter to exempt licensed practice by occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, podiatrists, and the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, orthotic fitting, or pedorthics by federal employees within the scope of their employment; set a two-year transition period for licensure as an orthotist, prosthetist, orthotic fitter, or pedorthist before full implementation of the regular licensure program; allow the board to promulgate administrative regulations to charge reasonable licensing and application fees; punish willful violation, including unlawful practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, orthotic fitter, or pedorthist, as a Class B misdemeanor; authorize the board to petition the courts to enjoin unlawful practice; deposit all fees and other moneys received by the board in a revolving fund for the use of the board; pay board member and employee compensation and board expenses from the fund proportionate to its percentage of all moneys received by the board; direct that combined new sections be known as the "Prosthetist, Orthotist, Orthotic Fitter, and Pedorthist Licensure Act."

     (Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)

     Jan 8-introduced in House
     Jan 9-to Licensing & Occupations (H)