SB101 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyGarlan GudgerJim McClendon

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

SB101 would expand podiatry in Alabama to treat disorders of the foot and ankle, clarify treatments, and set new training requirements for ankle surgery.

What This Bill Does

It broadens the scope of podiatry to include foot and ankle disorders. Podiatrists could diagnose and provide medical, surgical, mechanical, manipulative, and electrical treatments, and may prescribe drugs within this scope; they may amputate toes or other parts of the foot and ankle, but not the leg, and anesthesia must be local. For certain ankle bone surgeries, podiatrists would need at least 36 months of approved post-graduate residency. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Podiatric physicians—expanded scope of practice to treat foot and ankle disorders, with new training and prescribing rules; and new limits on anesthesia and leg surgery.
• Patients with foot or ankle conditions—potentially greater access to podiatric care, including toe/foot/ankle procedures, under defined safeguards.

Key Provisions

• Expands the scope of podiatry to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and ankle.
• Defines foot, ankle, and related terms; codifies the range of treatments that fall under podiatry (medical, surgical, mechanical, manipulative, electrical).
• Allows amputation of the toes and other parts of the foot and ankle, but not the leg.
• Limits surgical practice: no leg amputations or surgeries above the ankle, and anesthesia must be local.
• Requires at least 36 months of approved post-graduate residency for podiatrists who surgically treat osseous (bone) ankle conditions.
• Podiatrists may prescribe drugs related to their scope.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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