CT HB05196

Licensed podiatrists may independently perform surgical treatment of the ankle, including fracture fixation, fusion, arthroscopy, and other procedures, upon meeting residency and board certification requirements effective October 1, 2024.

Podiatrists must graduate from either a three-year residency program (after June 1, 2006) or a two-year residency program (before June 1, 2006) accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education and hold current board certification in reconstructive rearfoot ankle surgery.

Surgical scope includes insertion and removal of external fixation pins, retrograde intramedullary rods and locking screws, and Chopart joint-level amputation, but excludes total ankle replacements, tibial pilon fractures, and external fixation pin complications.

A panel of podiatry and orthopedic representatives must develop a protocol by August 1, 2024, for allowing qualified podiatrists to perform total ankle replacement surgery at hospitals, with the protocol posted by October 1, 2024.

Podiatrists may apply to hospitals for privileges to perform total ankle replacement surgery on and after October 1, 2024, but hospitals are not required to grant such privileges.