Section 16-302 - Qualifications of applicants. - Maryland Statutes

§ 16-302. Qualifications of applicants.
 

(a)  In general.- To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section. 

(b)  Moral character.- The applicant shall be of good moral character. 

(c)  Age.- The applicant shall be at least 18 years old. 

(d)  Education.- The applicant shall be a graduate of a school or college of podiatry that is accredited by the Council on Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association and approved by the Board. 

(e)  Examination.- Except as otherwise provided in this title, the applicant shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle. 

(f)  Experience.- The Board may require an applicant to complete a postgraduate podiatric residency program in: 

(1) A health care facility licensed or approved by the Department; 

(2) A program approved by the Council on Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association or its successor; or 

(3) A program approved by the Board. 

(g)  English language competency.-  

(1) The Board shall require as part of its examination or licensing procedures that an applicant for a license to practice podiatry demonstrate an oral competency in the English language. 

(2) Graduation from a recognized English-speaking undergraduate school after at least 3 years of enrollment, or from a recognized English-speaking professional school is acceptable as proof of proficiency in the oral communication of the English language under this section. 

(3) By regulation, the Board shall develop a procedure for testing individuals who because of their speech impairment are unable to complete satisfactorily a Board approved standardized test of oral competency. 

(4) If any disciplinary charges or action that involves a problem with the oral communication of the English language are brought against a licensee under this title, the Board shall require the licensee to take and pass a Board approved standardized test of oral competency. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 43, §§ 481, 487; 1981, ch. 8, § 2; 1985, 2nd Sp. Sess., ch. 2; 1986, ch. 243; 1988, ch. 645, § 2; 1990, ch. 6, § 11; 1991, ch. 92.]