HB291 Summary

• Expands the scope of podiatry practice in Alabama to include treatment of disorders of both the foot and ankle, amending Section 34-24-230 of the Code of Alabama 1975.

• Adds a new definition of "foot and ankle" that includes anatomical specifications: the foot contains 28 bones (forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot) and the ankle consists of the ankle joint and surrounding soft tissue structures.

• Allows podiatric physicians to surgically treat osseous (bone) ailments of the ankle only if they have completed at least 24 months of post-graduate residency training approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

• Permits podiatric physicians to prescribe drugs that relate specifically to their scope of practice and allows amputation of toes and other foot and ankle parts, but prohibits amputation of the leg in its entirety or any portion of the leg.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.