HB448 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

HB448 would broaden Alabama podiatrists' scope to diagnose and treat more foot and ankle conditions, with defined limits.

What This Bill Does

It amends the definition of the practice of podiatry to expand what podiatrists can diagnose and treat in the foot and ankle. It allows examination, diagnosis, and treatment using medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods for soft tissue and bone structures, up to the ankle joint. It prohibits foot amputation, prohibits performing surgery above the ankle, and restricts anesthesia to local only. It also defines key terms and sets the effective date for the changes.

Who It Affects

• Podiatric physicians in Alabama, whose scope of practice would expand to include more diagnostic and treatment capabilities for the foot and ankle.
• Patients in Alabama with foot or ankle conditions, who could receive a broader range of podiatric care from licensed practitioners.

Key Provisions

• Expands the definition of the practice of podiatry to include examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the foot and ankle.
• Specifies allowed treatment modalities: medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical treatment of soft tissue and osseous structures of the foot, ankle, and ankle joint.
• Imposes limits: podiatrists cannot amputate the foot, cannot perform surgery above the ankle joint, and cannot administer anesthetics other than local anesthetics.
• Provides definitions for terms such as podiatry, diagnosis, medical/surgical/mechanical/manipulative/electrical treatment, human foot or ankle, and clarifies scope (including distal tibia and fibula regions).
• Effective date: becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor 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