The bill amends Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 5-34-51, which establishes guidelines for home services foot care provided by nurses. The purpose of this section is to recognize and promote the rights of home care patients and clients to receive safe, appropriate, and high-quality foot care and services in a timely manner, with consideration, dignity, respect, and privacy.

The bill defines key terms such as "client education," which includes self-care, hygiene, appropriate footwear, nutrition, exercise, compliance with medical regimes, and reporting changes to a podiatrist. It also defines "home services" as services provided in an individual's private residential space, excluding long-term care facilities and commercial spaces.

Nurses providing home services foot care must have theoretical knowledge and demonstrate clinical competency in areas such as foot and lower extremity anatomy, common foot pathology, nursing assessment, and infection control. The scope of home services foot care includes assessing medical history, health habits, circulation, skin integrity, and pain, as well as implementing care plans that include hygiene, nail care, and client education.

The bill mandates that nurses providing in-home foot care complete two hours of continuing education focused on foot care out of the ten hours required for certification. Additionally, nurses whose services are limited to home services foot care are exempt from certain regulatory requirements. The Department of Health is responsible for determining fair and reasonable licensing and renewal fees for nurses providing these services. The act will take effect upon passage.