Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

HB 619 would allow Maryland to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, enabling licensed podiatrists to practice across participating states more easily. The bill creates an "expedited license" process for podiatrists who meet specific requirements (like holding a full license in one state and passing background checks), without changing existing state medical practice laws. It requires podiatrists to follow the licensing rules of the state where the patient is located during care, and establishes a commission to oversee the compact. This directly affects podiatrists seeking to practice in multiple states and patients in participating states who may access care from out-of-state providers.