PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Senate Bill 901 (proposed substitute H-2)

Sponsor:  Sen. Jim Stamas

House Committee:  Health Policy

Senate Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 10-2-18

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 901 would amend the definition of practice of podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery in Part 180 of the Michigan Public Health Code. According to testimony in the Senate Health Policy Committee, the definition was last updated in 1978. A medical profession’s “scope of practice,” or the extent and limits of the medical interventions that a health care provider may perform, is typically set by a jurisdiction’s laws, regulations, and licensing bodies. Testifiers stated that the bill is not intended to expand what podiatric physicians are currently doing; rather, the bill is intended to have the scope of practice accurately reflect what they are currently doing. 

Currently, the definition lists ailments such as corns, warts, and bunions, and limits the parts of the human body to be treated to hands, feet, and ankles. According to Senate testimony, podiatric physicians also treat the upper portions of the leg as they affect the function of the feet and ankles, and their interventions go far beyond the listed interventions.

Practice of podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery would mean any of the following:

·         The evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic conditions, affecting the governing and related structure of the human foot and ankle distal to the tibial tubercle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.

·         The treatment of ulcerations below the knee and of nail diseases and superficial excrescences occurring on the human hands.

It would not include amputations at or above the tibiotalar joint or the administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia.

            The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

               

            MCL 333.18001

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 901 would not have any impact on expenditures or revenues for any unit of state or local government.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.