HB415 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Podiatry, practice of, further defined, Sec. 34-24-230 am'd.

Summary

HB415 would expand the practice of podiatry in Alabama to include broader examination, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle disorders using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods, with specific exceptions.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the podiatry law to broaden the scope of practice to include examination, diagnosis, and a wide range of treatments for the foot and ankle, including soft tissue and bone work. It defines what counts as podiatry and its various treatment modalities (medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical) and sets clear exceptions for certain procedures and anesthetic use. It also provides formal definitions for key terms (diagnosis, medical/surgical/mechanical/manipulative/electrical treatment, human foot). The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Podiatrists in Alabama, who would have expanded authority to diagnose and treat foot and ankle disorders using a broader set of methods.
• Patients in Alabama seeking foot and ankle care, who may have access to more treatment options from podiatrists, subject to the defined exceptions.

Key Provisions

• Expands the scope of practice to include examination, diagnosis, and the medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical treatment of the soft tissue and bones of the ankle and ankle joint.
• Adds explicit exclusions: foot amputation, ankle fusion, total ankle arthroplasty, treatment of trimalleolar and pilon fractures, and administration of anesthetics other than local.
• Provides formal definitions for terms such as podiatry, practice of podiatry, diagnosis, medical treatment, surgical treatment, mechanical treatment, manipulative treatment, electrical treatment, and human foot.
• Amends Section 34-24-230 to codify the expanded definitions and scope, with an effective date set to the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Podiatry, State Board of