Ch. 182

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or any
other application of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and for this purpose the provisions of this Act are declared severable.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1997.

Approved April 29, 1997.

CHAPTER 182
(Senate Bill 485)

AN ACT concerning

Podiatrists - Scope of Practice

FOR the purpose of altering the scope of practice for a licensed podiatrist by repealing
practice exclusions for triple arthrodesis, ankle fusions, and the surgical treatment
of ankle trauma, but excluding the surgical treatment of acute ankle fracture; and
generally relating to the scope of practice for podiatry.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Health Occupations
Section 16-101(f)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1994 Replacement Volume and 1996 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health Occupations

16-101.

(f) (1) "Practice podiatry" means to diagnose or surgically, medically, or
mechanically treat any ailment of the human foot or ankle, or any ailment of the
anatomical structures that attach to the human foot.

(2) "Practice podiatry" does not include:

(i) [Triple arthrodesis, ankle fusions, or surgical] SURGICAL
treatment of ACUTE ankle [trauma] FRACTURE; or

(ii) Administration of an anesthetic, other than a local anesthetic.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1997.

Approved April 29, 1997.

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