SB324 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

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

Summary

SB324 expands Alabama podiatry to include broader examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the foot and ankle, with new definitions and authority for surgical, mechanical, and electrical care up to the midpoint of the tibia and fibula, under local anesthesia only.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 34-24-230 to broaden the definition of the practice of podiatry. It allows podiatric physicians to examine, diagnose, and treat foot and ankle conditions using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods addressing soft tissue and bones of the foot and ankle. It limits surgical treatment to the midpoint of the tibia and fibula and prohibits amputation of the foot or any surgery above the ankle, and it restricts anesthesia to local anesthesia. It also provides detailed definitions of key podiatry terms and sets an effective date for the changes.

Who It Affects

• Podiatric physicians in Alabama, who receive a broader scope of practice including more treatment modalities for foot and ankle conditions.
• Patients with foot or ankle problems in Alabama, who could access a wider range of podiatric care from podiatric physicians, within defined limits.

Key Provisions

• Expands the scope of practice by redefining 'podiatry' and 'practice of podiatry' to include examination, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical treatments.
• Authorizes surgical treatment up to the midpoint of the tibia and fibula for foot/ankle conditions, but prohibits foot amputation and surgeries above the ankle, and restricts anesthesia to local anesthesia.
• Provides explicit definitions for terms such as podiatry, diagnosis, medical treatment, surgical treatment, mechanical treatment, manipulative treatment, electrical treatment, and 'human foot or ankle'.
• States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and the Governor's approval (or later when law).

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