Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

SB18

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AN ACT relating to health services.

Amend KRS 311.380 to define "physician assistant," “podiatric assistant,” “podiatric residency,” “podiatric resident,” podiatric supervision," and "supervising podiatrist"; amend KRS 311.400 to add the scope of practice for podiatric residents and podiatric assistants; amend KRS 311.410 to conform; amend KRS 311.420 to add qualifications to acquire a license to practice podiatry; permit the board to promulgate administrative regulations for licensure of podiatric assistants and podiatric residents, podiatric residency licenses, and the approval and regulation of…

Administrative Regulations and ProceedingsBoards and CommissionsCannabisDrugs and MedicinesHealth and Medical ServicesHealth Care ProfessionalsHospitals And Health FacilitiesLicensingOccupations and ProfessionsPhysiciansSubstance Use

Introduced: January 6, 2026

Last action: April 10, 2026

Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 85)

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill updates Kentucky law governing podiatry, the medical specialty focused on foot and ankle care. It creates new license categories for podiatric residents and podiatric assistants, sets rules for how podiatrists may supervise physician assistants, and allows podiatrists to certify patients for medicinal cannabis use. The State Board of Podiatry gains new authority to issue, regulate, and take action on these expanded license types. Who it may affect: podiatrists, podiatric residents and assistants, physician assistants working under podiatric supervision, and patients seeking podiatric care or medicinal cannabis certifications from a podiatrist.

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Legislative History

Jan 6, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 6, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Feb 2, 2026 · Senate
To Health Services (S)
Feb 4, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 5, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 5, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Friday, February 06 2026 (clerical)
Feb 6, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 32-0 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 32
Nay: 0
Absent: 6
LegiScan roll call
Feb 9, 2026 · House
Received In House
Mar 26, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 91-1 With Floor Amendment (1) And Floor Amendment (2-Title)
Yea: 91
Nay: 1
Absent: 8
LegiScan roll call
Mar 31, 2026 · Senate
Passed 37-0
Yea: 37
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

Portrait of Craig Richardson
Craig Richardson

Senator · Senate District 03

Primary sponsor
craig.richardson@kylegislature.gov
BallotpediaOfficial profile

Co-sponsors (1)

Portrait of Stephen Meredith
Stephen Meredith

Senator · Senate District 05

Co-sponsor
Stephen.Meredith@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted — Acts chapter (final law)

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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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