HB448 Summary

• Amends Section 34-24-230 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the definition of podiatry practice to include examination, diagnosis, and treatment of soft tissue and osseous structures of the foot, ankle, and ankle joint.

• Extends podiatric scope of practice to include medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical treatment methods for foot and ankle ailments.

• Clarifies that podiatrists may treat conditions up to and including the distal third of the tibia and fibula, but cannot amputate feet or perform surgery above the ankle joint or administer general anesthetics.

• Updates the definition of "human foot or ankle" to specify treatment includes all 28 bones of the foot and associated structures, with detailed anatomical specifications including the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot components.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.