Expands the definition of podiatry to include conditions of the ankle and all soft tissue structures of the leg below the knee affecting the foot and ankle

BILL NUMBER:S2662

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, the public health law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to the practice of podiatry

Purpose

To refine the definition of the practice of podiatry.

Summary of provisions

See bill.

Justification

This bill would refine the definition of the practice of podiatry to reflect current medical education relating to the treatment of malfunctions of the foot. Advancements in the study and medical training around treating malfunctions of the foot call for further refinement of the practice of this profession. Current law authorizes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injures, deformities, or other conditions of the foot only, effectively preventing the treatment of conditions, injuries, or diseases of the foot that are directly related to the foot and ankle joint or the soft tissues of that control the foot. Conventional medical practice recognizes that many conditions of the foot, in fact, originate in the soft tissue above the ankle bone - as reflected in the training provided in the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and in New York podiatric residency programs. Accordingly, the definition of the practice of podiatry must be revised, consistent with the skills of the practitioners to allow properly trained podiatrists to diagnose, treat, operate and prescribe for any disease, injury, deformity or other condition of the ankle -- as well as the foot -- and all soft tissue structures below the knee including muscular and vascular conditions which directly affect the foot and ankle -- which are, then, "anatomically" related to the foot and ankle. Importantly, this refinement will enhance patients' access to a fuller array of health care services and practitioners while assuring quality of care. The bill also clarifies that currently licensed podiatrists must demonstrate acquired competencies to engage in activities authorized by the "extended scope" through completion of a residency program, certification by a nationally certifying board or completion of a post-residency program acceptable to NYSED. This additional requirement will assure that New York's standards will be the stringent.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect one year after it shall become law, with provisions.