HB291 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott StadthagenRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Podiatry, scope of practice expanded to include foot and ankle, Sec. 34-24-230 am'd.

Summary

HB291 expands podiatry in Alabama to treat disorders of the foot and ankle.

What This Bill Does

It expands the practice to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and ankle. It allows podiatrists to perform medical, surgical, mechanical, manipulative, and electrical treatments, and to prescribe drugs related to foot and ankle care. It requires at least 24 months of post-graduate residency training for podiatrists who surgically treat ankle bone problems. It keeps limits on practice, including that leg amputation is not allowed and surgery cannot be performed above the ankle, with anesthetics limited to local anesthesia.

Who It Affects

• Podiatrists in Alabama, whose scope of practice would now include the ankle and related training requirements for certain ankle surgeries.
• Patients with foot or ankle conditions in Alabama, who would have broader access to podiatric care (subject to the stated restrictions).

Key Provisions

• Expands the scope of podiatry and the practice of podiatry to include treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle.
• Specifies definitions for the foot and ankle, and clarifies what is included under podiatric care.
• Authorizes diagnosis and medical, surgical, mechanical, manipulative, or electrical treatments of the foot and ankle, and allows prescribing drugs related to this scope.
• Requires at least 24 months of post-graduate residency training for podiatrists who surgically treat ankle bone (osseous) ailments.
• Maintains restrictions that leg amputation is not allowed, surgery above the ankle is not permitted, and non-local anesthesia cannot be administered.
• Foot and ankle amputations are limited to toes and parts of the foot/ankle; leg amputation in whole or part is not authorized.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Podiatry