Physician assistants and podiatrists.

Assembly Member Berman's legislation extends California's regulatory framework for podiatrists and physician assistants through 2030 while implementing substantial changes to supervision requirements and fee structures. The bill maintains the Podiatric Medical Board of California and Physician Assistant Board while increasing physician assistants' supervision limits from four to eight practitioners per supervising physician.

The legislation modifies podiatric practice parameters by establishing that podiatrists cannot be classified as ancillary providers in healthcare settings or insurance structures. It removes the requirement that out-of-state podiatrists pass licensing examinations within the previous decade to obtain California certification. The bill also increases the biennial license renewal fee for podiatrists from $1,318 to $1,900 and adjusts various administrative fees.

For physician assistants, the bill implements new electronic renewal requirements with legal verification under penalty of perjury. Application fees increase from $25 to $60, with the board authorized to raise them to $80. The legislation also adjusts other licensing fees, including increasing delinquency charges from $25 to $75. The bill directs a comprehensive review of physician assistant practice agreement structures in consultation with stakeholders, though this provision creates no additional regulatory obligations.

The measure maintains existing enforcement mechanisms while updating penalties for unauthorized practice, including misdemeanor charges for misuse of podiatric titles. It preserves current rights and privileges for practitioners until specified repeal dates while requiring compliance with new renewal processes and fee structures moving forward.