HB299 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

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

Summary

HB299 would expand what podiatrists can diagnose and treat, covering the foot and ankle (including the ankle joint) with medical, mechanical, manipulative, surgical, and electrical methods up to the distal third of the tibia and fibula.

What This Bill Does

It amends Alabama's podiatry law to broaden the scope of practice. Podiatrists could diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions using a wider range of methods, including surgical and electrical treatments, within defined anatomical limits. It keeps certain limits, such as not allowing foot amputation or anesthesia other than local.

Who It Affects

• Podiatrists in Alabama, who would be allowed to perform a broader set of procedures and treatments on the foot and ankle (up to the distal third of the tibia and fibula) including surgical and electrical methods.
• Patients with foot or ankle problems, who could receive a wider array of treatments from podiatrists for conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and ankle joint.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-24-230 to expand the definition and scope of practice of podiatry to include examination, diagnosis, and a wide range of treatments of the foot and ankle.
• Defines surgical, medical, mechanical, manipulative, electrical treatments and related terms, and explicitly lists the anatomical scope up to the distal third of the tibia and fibula and includes the ankle joint.
• Imposes limits: podiatrists may not amputate the foot, cannot perform surgery above the ankle joint, and cannot administer anesthetics other than local.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor (or when it becomes 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