(a) To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.
(b) The applicant shall be of good moral character.
(c) The applicant shall be at least 18 years old.
(d) The applicant shall be a graduate of a school or college of podiatric medicine that is accredited by the Council on Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association and approved by the Board.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this title, the applicant shall pass:
(1) The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners licensing examination; and
(2) A written examination on the Board’s statute and regulations administered by the Board under § 16–304 of this subtitle.
(f) 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) (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.
(h) The applicant shall submit to a criminal history records check in accordance with § 16–302.1 of this subtitle.