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H 2470

An Act relative to the continuing education of podiatrists

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek

Massachusetts podiatrists must renew annually with 22 hours of continuing education; renewal depends on CE proof, with illness exemptions.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2470

Summary of H.2470: An Act relative to the continuing education of podiatrists

Overview

H.2470, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Michael P. Kushmerek, would modify the continuing education (CE) requirements for podiatrists licensed in Massachusetts. The bill amends Section 16 of Chapter 112 of the General Laws to change how license renewal is handled, tying renewal to proof of CE hours and annual expiration. The bill has progressed through committees and is referred to House Ways and Means.

What the bill does (key provisions)

  • Certific ate expiration and renewal
    • Every podiatry certificate would expire on the last day of the year for which it was granted.
    • Renewal for the subsequent year could be done without examination upon payment of a renewal fee.
  • Continuing education requirement
    • The renewing podiatrist must provide satisfactory evidence that, in the preceding year, they completed at least 22 hours of continuing education.
    • The board may exempt licensees from the CE requirement if they provide satisfactory proof that they were unable to attend an approved educational conference or program due to illness or other good cause.

Who is affected

  • Licensed podiatrists in Massachusetts who hold certificates issued by the Board of Registration in Podiatry (or the applicable licensing board in this area).
  • The licensing board (referred to as “the board”) would administer the renewal process and verify CE compliance and exemptions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history highlights
    • Filed: February 27, 2025.
    • Referred to the Public Health Committee on February 27, 2025.
    • House action includes a report favorably by committee and referral to the Ways and Means Committee (noted in a later action).
    • Various hearing dates were scheduled in July 2025 (including July 14, 2025, with adjustments to times and format).
    • Additional note: related HD 942 is listed as a related bill or replacement.
  • Current status (as provided)
    • Status indicates favorable committee reporting and referral to the House Ways and Means Committee.
    • The Senate acted to concur on February 27, 2025 (as listed in the provided actions), with ongoing committee reviews and public hearings noted.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • The bill creates a formal CE requirement (22 hours/year) tied to renewal, funded by renewal fees.
  • Administrative oversight by the relevant licensing board to verify CE completion and process exemptions.
  • Exemptions allow for flexibility in cases of illness or other good causes, potentially reducing administrative burden on individuals with valid justifications.

Related information

  • Related bill: HD 942 (listed as a replacement).
  • Provides a clear annual renewal framework and requires CE proof to maintain active licensure.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize either the policy impact on podiatrists, the administrative process for the licensing board, or the potential fiscal implications for the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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