Let’s Talk About SCOPE

From the time you were a student, or perhaps even before you started Podiatry School, you have likely been involved in many discussions with your peers about Scope of Practice. Since the laws that regulate your licensure and practice definition as a podiatric physician are determined at the State level, there is a large degree of variability across the country. While the training and education within our profession is becoming more uniform at both the graduate and post-graduate levels, the frustration of deciphering State Practice Laws continues. Many residency graduates are prevented from practicing to the full degree of their ability, while others choose their practice location based on the local scope laws. Many states still prohibit a Podiatrist from performing any amputation at any level, even the toe…and even more states do not allow a Podiatrist to treat the ankle or related leg structures.

The frustration over Scope of Practice laws has in part fueled the debate over options such as the MD/DPM or DO/DPM dual degrees. Several states such as California, Georgia, and Florida have been successful in advancing their state legislative efforts to provide adequate scope, while many other states feel threatened or intimidated against even bringing that topic up.

Please take a moment to complete this survey:

For some great resources on Scope of Practice, check out the APMA and ACFAS web sites:

APMA Members Resource Page: http://apma.org

ACFAS Members Only Page: http://www.acfas.org/members/modellegislation.html

Please send any suggestions, thoughts, questions to me at: editor@podiatry.com


John S. Steinberg, DPM
Editor, PRESENT