MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Human Services
By: Representative Aldridge
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-27-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 73-27-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
73-27-1. (1) The practice of podiatric medicine is that profession concerned with the prevention, examination, diagnosis and medical, surgical and adjuvant treatment of conditions of the human foot. For the purposes of this chapter, "foot" means that part of the human anatomy which consists of the tarsal bones, metatarsal bones and phalanges.
(2) The practice of podiatric medicine also includes treatment of the ankle, muscles or tendons of the lower leg governing the functions of the foot and ankle by a podiatrist who has completed advanced training determined to be sufficient by the State Board of Medical Licensure at a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting association acceptable by the board. Implementation of the provisions of this subsection shall be made in accordance with rules promulgated by the board that are predicated on the education or level of training, or both, of an applicant.
( * * *3) A podiatrist is a medical care
provider who engages in the practice of podiatric medicine.
( * * *4) A podiatrist may prescribe and
administer drugs and tests, excluding general and spinal anesthesia, that are
essential to the practice of podiatric medicine (a) when used for or in
connection with treatment of disorders of the human foot, and (b) when used
for or in connection with treatment of disorders of the ankle, muscles or
tendons of the lower leg governing the functions of the foot and ankle, for
podiatrists who have completed the advanced training provided for under
subsection (2) of this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.