The bill amends Section 34-24-230 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the scope of podiatry practice to include the treatment of disorders of the ankle in addition to the foot. Key insertions include a detailed definition of the ankle, which encompasses the ankle joint and surrounding soft tissue structures, and the inclusion of the ankle in the definitions of podiatry and the practice of podiatry. The bill also clarifies that podiatrists may perform surgical treatments limited to the foot and ankle, including amputations of toes and parts of the foot and ankle, but excludes amputations above the Chopart joint or total ankle arthroplasty.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that podiatrists must complete at least 36 months of post-graduate residency training approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education to surgically treat osseous ailments of the ankle. The language also modifies existing definitions related to medical and surgical treatment, specifying that podiatrists can prescribe drugs relevant to their expanded scope of practice. The act will take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-24-230, 34-24-230
Engrossed: 34-24-230, 34-24-230
Enrolled: 34-24-230, 34-24-230