Maryland Board of Podiatic Medical Examiner met June 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The Public Session Meeting commenced at 1:04 pm, opened by Board Vice President, Dr. H. David Gottlieb.
Board members attending were Drs. Philip Cohen and Craig Friedman. Consumer members present were Frona Kroopnick and Sharon Bunch. Board President, Dr. Zachary Chattler and Board member Dr. Umezurike were absent.
Board staff present: Eva Schwartz, Executive Director, Rhonda Edwards, AAG, Board Counsel, Sheri Henderson, Deputy Executive Director, Elizabeth Kohlhepp, Licensing Coordinator, and Danielle Vallone, Board Investigator.
Representing MDH: Lillian Reese, Legislation.
Representing MPMA: Richard Bloch, Esq., Executive Director.
Guests Present: Dr. Jay LeBow.
COMAR 10.01.14.02.B:
Except in instances when a public body expressly invites public testimony, questions, comments, or other forms of public participation, or when public participation is otherwise authorized by law, a member of the public attending an open session may not participate in the session.
A. Minutes:
1. Approval of minutes from the May 10, 2018 meeting
The minutes from the May 10, 2018 meeting were approved unanimously, as submitted.
B. Old Business:
1. Proposed Regulations defining what is required to prove 5 years of Practice for a Full License COMAR 10.40.01.01
The Board previously voted to propose a new regulation requiring an affidavit during the licensing process to prove five years of active practice immediately preceding the application for licensure. This personal affidavit would be acceptable in lieu of the residency program affidavit, if the applicant chooses to apply via this route. The proposed regulation was printed on March 30, 2018 in the Maryland Register with a comment period that ended on April 30, 2018 with no comments. The regulation will become effective on July 2, 2018.
2. Proposed Regulation addressing Active podiatric practice- COMAR 10.40.08.02
The Board previously voted to propose a regulation to define active practice to be interpreted as requirement of an average 400 working hours of practicing podiatry per year, for five consecutive years. The comment period regarding this proposal ended April 30, 2018 and no comments were received. The regulation will become effective on July 2, 2018.
3. Proposed Amendment to COMAR 10.40.06.03- Advertising Regulation
The Board previously voted on a proposed amendment to COMAR 10.40.06- Advertising concerning the identification of a podiatrist as such, or as a foot and ankle specialist, or foot and ankle surgeon_in advertisements or any media platforms. The comment period regarding this proposal ended on May 14, 2018 and no comments were received. The regulation will become effective on July 2, 2018.
4. SB 1223-Promulgating regulations regarding mandatory CME's required for prescribing and dispensing opioids
The Board reviewed a draft of proposed regulations based on SB 1223 - Controlled Dangerous Substances Registration- Authorized Providers- Continuing Education. The Bill requires that all CDS permit holders or those applying for a new/initial permit, will be mandated to complete 2 CME credits before initial issuance of permit and at permit renewal, specific to prescribing and or dispensing scheduled drugs. The bill also indicates that failure to do so can lead to ineligibility for renewal of the CDS permit/registration by the Office of Controlled Substance Administration. The Bill will go into effect on October 1, 2018. The Board tabled discussion on the proposed regulations until the July 12th meeting.
C. New Business:
1. HB- 88-Public Health- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program- Revisions: Maryland PDMP Use of Mandate Implementation
The Board received a copy of HB-88-Public Health - Prescription Drug Monitoring Program- Revisions: Maryland PDMP Use of Mandate Implementation for informational purposes.
2. PDMP use mandate
The Board was made aware that the PDMP use mandate will go into effect on July 1, 2018. See additional information attached.
3. Review for eligibility for Full License:
a. Amin Jahedi, DPM
b. Roberto Brandao, DPM
c. Paul Carroll, DPM
d. Michael Matthews, DPM
e. Haseeb Ahmad, DPM
The above identified licensure candidates were approved unanimously for the issuance of a full Maryland License.
D. Other:
1. The Board showed appreciation to Dr. Craig Friedman for his time served on the Board.
2. The Board discussed that it will no longer be accepting or answering scope of practice questions. If a podiatrist has a scope of practice related question, they should refer to the Board's scope of practice regulations or contact a health care attorney. Furthermore, the Board can not contact insurance providers regarding whether or not the use of certain codes are within a podiatrist's scope of practice.
3. The Board thanked the MPMA for a wonderful Day of Science this year.
With no further business, the Board meeting concluded at 1:41 pm.
https://health.maryland.gov/mbpme/Documents/mins0618.pdf