HB109 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

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

Summary

This bill expands Alabama's podiatry scope to include examination, diagnosis, and a broad range of foot and ankle treatments, up to the distal half of the tibia and fibula, with some limits on surgery and anesthesia.

What This Bill Does

This bill amends the podiatry statute to broaden what is considered the practice of podiatry. It allows podiatrists to examine, diagnose, and treat foot and ankle problems using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods, including treatment of soft tissues and bones up to the distal tibia and fibula. It also sets restrictions: amputations are not allowed, surgery cannot be performed above the ankle, and only local anesthetics may be used. The changes take effect three months after enactment.

Who It Affects

• Podiatric physicians in Alabama, who gain expanded authority to diagnose and treat foot/ankle conditions using a wider range of methods, including some surgical approaches.
• Patients with foot or ankle problems, who could receive more treatment options from podiatrists under the expanded scope.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-24-230 to expand the definition of the practice of podiatry.
• Authorizes examination, diagnosis, and medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical treatment of the foot and ankle, including soft tissue and osseous structures up to the distal half of the tibia and fibula.
• Provides definitions for terms: podiatry, practice of podiatry, diagnosis, medical treatment, surgical treatment, mechanical treatment, manipulative treatment, electrical treatment, and human foot or ankle.
• Imposes restrictions: podiatrists may not amputate the foot, may not perform surgery above the ankle joint, and may not administer anesthetics other than local.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Podiatry, State Board of