SB56 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

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

Summary

SB56 would expand the scope of podiatry in Alabama to include diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, with specific limits on surgery and anesthesia.

What This Bill Does

Expands the scope of the practice of podiatry to include examination, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, including soft tissue and bone structures of the ankle and ankle joint, using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods. It also sets limits on surgery (up to the midpoint of the tibia and fibula), prohibits amputations or non-local anesthetics, and provides formal definitions for key terms to clarify what is included in podiatry.

Who It Affects

• Podiatric physicians and podiatry practices: gain expanded authority to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions using multiple treatment modalities, subject to anesthesia and surgical limits.
• Patients with foot or ankle conditions: may access expanded podiatric care for diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders within the defined scope.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-24-230 to expand the practice of podiatry to include examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the foot and ankle, including soft tissue and osseous structures of the ankle and ankle joint.
• Defines terms related to podiatry (podiatry, practice of podiatry, diagnosis, medical treatment, surgical treatment, mechanical treatment, manipulative treatment, electrical treatment, human foot or ankle) and their scope.
• Surgical treatment is limited to the use of cutting instruments to treat conditions up to the midpoint of the tibia and fibula; podiatrists may not amputate the foot, perform surgery above the ankle joint, or administer non-local anesthetics.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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