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HB 1213

Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gallop Franklin

Florida joins interstate podiatric compact allowing licensed podiatrists to practice across member states without obtaining separate state licenses, streamlining professional mobility.

Now in Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1213

Legislative bill overview

HB 1213 establishes Florida's participation in an interstate compact allowing podiatrists licensed in one member state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The compact creates a streamlined credentialing and disciplinary system governed by a commission of member states. This facilitates professional mobility while maintaining state-level regulatory oversight.

Why is this important

Podiatrists currently must obtain individual licenses in each state where they practice, a costly and time-consuming process that can limit patient access to care, particularly in underserved areas near state borders. This compact addresses provider shortages and reduces regulatory burden, similar to existing compacts for nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professions. It could enable more efficient telemedicine and regional care networks for foot and ankle treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: States maintain different standards for continuing education, malpractice insurance, and disciplinary procedures, raising questions about whether a uniform system adequately protects consumers across all jurisdictions
  • Economic impact on local practitioners: Some podiatrists may oppose increased competition from out-of-state practitioners, particularly in saturated markets, though patient access benefits may offset this concern
  • Reciprocal disciplinary enforcement: The compact's effectiveness depends on reliable interstate cooperation; disciplinary actions in one state must be recognized and enforced across others, which has proven challenging in some existing compacts

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

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