SB101 Summary

• Expands the scope of podiatric practice in Alabama to include treatment of disorders of both the foot and ankle, rather than the foot alone.

• Adds detailed anatomical definitions distinguishing between the foot (28 bones below the ankle joint) and the ankle (ankle joint consisting of distal tibia, fibula, and talus).

• Requires podiatric physicians who surgically treat bone ailments of the ankle to complete at least 36 months of post-graduate residency training approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

• Permits podiatric physicians to amputate toes and other parts of the foot and ankle, but continues to prohibit full leg amputation and surgery above the ankle joint.

• Effective date is the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.