Committee extends podiatry board and adds patient‑privacy standard

Representative Stewart and co‑sponsor Representative Bradfield presented House Bill 13‑44, a sunset review measure that would extend the state Podiatry Board through Sept. 1, 2035, and add requirements for podiatrists to develop plans ensuring the confidentiality of patient records.

The sponsor said the Podiatry Board issues about 20–30 new licenses annually, processes several hundred renewals each year, and investigates roughly 20–25 complaints annually, with 1–2 disciplinary actions typically resulting. Because licensing fees fund the board and its enforcement work through a cash fund, sponsors said the change would have no general‑fund impact.

Monica Sutherland, policy analyst with the Division of Professions and Occupations, and Jennifer Lockwood of the Colorado Office of Policy Research and Regulatory Reform answered committee questions about the sunset report and the rulemaking needed to implement record‑protection standards. Jennifer Miles of the Colorado Foot and Ankle Society testified in support and said stakeholders preferred keeping an independent podiatry board rather than folding it into the medical board.

Representative Stewart moved the bill to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation; Representative Bradfield seconded. The motion carried by a committee vote of 9 to 2 with two members excused.

Next steps: HB 13‑44 was referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further consideration.