MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Blackwell, DeBar, Frazier

Senate Bill 2115

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-27-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE TO INCLUDE TREATMENT OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE AND THEIR GOVERNING AND RELATED STRUCTURES; TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF PODIATRIST TO MEAN A PHYSICIAN WHO ENGAGES IN 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 and ankle, and their governing and related structures, including the muscles or tendons of the lower leg governing the functions of the foot and ankle. * * *  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)  A podiatrist is a * * * medical care provider physician who engages in the practice of podiatric medicine.

     (3)  A podiatrist may prescribe and administer drugs and tests, excluding general and spinal anesthesia, that are essential to the practice of podiatric medicine when used for or in connection with treatment of disorders of the human foot and ankle, and their governing and related structures, including the muscles or tendons of the lower leg governing the functions of the foot and ankle.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.

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