What type of license must be issued to permit a podiatrist licensed in another jurisdiction to act as a substitute podiatric physician in the commonwealth?

• A. Temporary license
• B. Provisional license
• C. Permanent license
• D. Special substitute permit

Answer: (A)

When an out-of-state podiatrist is needed to substitute in the Commonwealth, a temporary license is the appropriate authorization. This type of licensing is designed for short-term or situational practice, allowing the practitioner to work for a defined period under specific conditions while the substitution is in effect. It ensures the substituting clinician is credentialed and practicing within a controlled window rather than granting open-ended, ongoing authority.

A permanent license would not fit a substitution scenario because it provides ongoing, unrestricted privileges. A provisional license is typically for individuals who are in the process of meeting licensing requirements for full licensure, not for filling a temporary substitution role. A special substitute permit does not align with the standard authorization used to permit temporary substitution in this context.