Heather Broaddus

The Board discussed and took action on several investigations, including the dismissal of two complaints. License applications were reviewed and processed, with some being approved upon fulfillment of specific conditions and one being continued for further review. Additionally, the Board received training on Open Meeting Law and public records, reviewed updates on various legislative bills, and discussed the Executive Director's reports regarding management changes, the budget, and the complaint log.

The Board meeting agenda includes the review, discussion, and possible action on investigation files for various podiatric doctors and the issuance of licenses for new applicants. Additional topics include an update on a recent student lecture and American Podiatric Medical Licensure Examination score reporting, training on conflict of interest presented by the Attorney General's office, a legislative update on pending bills, and an Executive Director's report covering budget, agency operations, complaint logs, and e-licensing systems.

The board meeting covers a range of regulatory and administrative business. Key topics include the review and potential action on investigation files regarding specific practitioners, the issuance of new podiatry licenses, and an initial analysis of unprofessional conduct. The agenda also features a training session on Open Meeting Law presented by the Attorney General's Office, a review of legislative updates concerning various House and Senate bills, and an Executive Director's report covering budget, agency operations, complaint logs, and e-licensing. Additionally, the meeting provides time for a summary of current events and a call to the public.

The Board adjudicated two complaints: Complaint No. 25-18-C was continued for further investigation, and Complaint No. 25-20-C was dismissed due to a lack of violations. Additionally, the Board received training from the Attorney General's Office regarding the adjudication of complaints, reviewed various legislative bills currently before the Arizona State Legislature, and received an Executive Director's report covering ADA website accessibility, the current budget, and the complaint log.

The meeting addressed several substantive items. The Board reviewed and discussed an investigation concerning Complaint No. 25-14-C involving Dr. Sarah Ahn, focusing on patient discharge procedures and concerns regarding medical record documentation, ultimately issuing a non-disciplinary Letter of Concern. License applications for Dr. Lauren Likewise and Dr. Desiree Major were conditionally approved pending completion of their residencies, while Dr. Gerlad Merritt's application was approved outright upon fee payment. Board elections were held for the 2026 Board President and Secretary. The Board tabled an agenda item regarding training and overview of complaint adjudication. An update was received regarding the December 10, 2025, Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards meeting. Furthermore, the Board determined that it would not accept unsecured emails or PDFs as official medical licensing examination score reports, deciding to direct staff to communicate concerns regarding confidentiality and examination integrity to Meazure Learning and the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. The Executive Director provided updates on conflict disclosure forms, the 2026 legislative session, building remediation timelines, and the current budget and complaint log.