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AB 1501

Physician assistants and podiatrists.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Berman

AB 1501 extends the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board until 2030, increases supervision limits, and raises fees, enhancing healthcare provider capacity in California.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 194, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 1501

Summary of AB 1501: Physician Assistants and Podiatrists

Bill Number: AB 1501
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 194, Statutes of 2025
Vote: Majority
Fiscal Committee: Yes
Local Program: Yes

Purpose and Intent

AB 1501 aims to extend the operational timeline of the Podiatric Medical Board of California and the Physician Assistant Board, which are responsible for licensing and regulating podiatrists and physician assistants, respectively. The bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for these professions while also addressing specific operational and fee structures.

Key Provisions

  1. Extension of Board Operations:

    • The bill extends the operation of the Podiatric Medical Board and the Physician Assistant Board until January 1, 2030. This prevents the boards from being repealed on January 1, 2026, as previously scheduled.

  2. Regulation of Physician Assistant Training Programs:

    • The requirement for the boards to regulate physician assistant training programs, including establishing approval guidelines and setting associated fees, is removed.

  3. Supervision of Physician Assistants:

    • The maximum number of physician assistants that a physician and surgeon can supervise at one time is increased from 4 to 8. This change eliminates the previous exception that allowed supervision of 8 only for those performing in-home health evaluations.

  4. Terminology and Classification:

    • The bill makes it a misdemeanor to use the term "podiatric surgeon" without a valid certificate to practice podiatric medicine. It also clarifies that doctors of podiatric medicine should not be classified as ancillary providers in healthcare settings or insurance reimbursement structures.

  5. Credentialing Requirements:

    • The requirement that applicants for a certificate to practice podiatric medicine must have passed specified examinations within the last 10 years is removed.

  6. Fee Adjustments:

    • The biennial renewal fee for podiatrists is increased from $1,318 to $1,900. The bill also modifies various fees for physician assistants, including:
      • Application fee: $60 (previously $25)
      • Initial license fee: $250 (unchanged)
      • Biennial license renewal fee: $300 (unchanged)
      • Delinquency fee: $75 (previously $25)
      • Fee for letters of endorsement: $50 (previously $10)
    • The bill allows the board to increase fees further, with caps set for application, initial license, and renewal fees.

  7. Electronic Renewal Applications:

    • Renewal applications for physician assistants must now be submitted electronically or via a form provided by the board, including a legal verification under penalty of perjury.

  8. Technical Corrections:

    • The bill includes various technical changes and corrections to the Physician Assistant Practice Act and the Medical Practice Act.

  9. Legislative Intent:

    • The bill expresses the Legislature's intent to conduct a comprehensive review of practice agreement structures in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

  10. No Reimbursement Requirement:

    • The bill specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts for costs mandated by the state.

Impact

AB 1501 affects licensed podiatrists and physician assistants in California by modifying regulatory frameworks, supervision limits, and fee structures. The changes aim to streamline operations and enhance the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver services, particularly in light of increasing healthcare demands.

This legislation is significant for healthcare professionals in California, as it directly impacts their licensing, regulatory oversight, and operational capabilities within the healthcare system.

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

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