• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    For Your Information: Scope of Practice Issues

    Scope Definitions

    HEALTH OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE
     TITLE 16. PODIATRISTS

    Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions.

    § 16-101. Definitions.

     

    (a) In general. – In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b) Board. – “Board” means the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

    (c) License. – “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice podiatry.

    (d) Licensed podiatrist. – “Licensed podiatrist” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a podiatrist who is licensed by the Board to practice podiatry.

    (e) Podiatrist. – “Podiatrist” means an individual who practices podiatry.

    (f) Practice Podiatry – (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 administration of an anesthetic, other than a local anesthetic.

     

    § 16-102. Scope of title.

    (a) Individual exempt. – This title does not limit the right of an individual to practice a health occupation that the individual is authorized to practice under this article.

    (b) Commercial sale or fitting. – This article does not affect the commercial sale or fitting of shoes or foot appliances.

     

    ​§ 16-103. Procedures required to be performed in a licensed hospital.

    (a) In general – - All surgical procedures of the ankle below the level of the dermis, arthrodeses of 2 or more tarsal bones, and complete tarsal osteotomies that are performed by a licensed podiatrist shall be performed in a licensed hospital, subject to the provisions of §19-351 of the Health-General Article.

    (b) Requirement for procedures in ambulatory surgical center. – A licensed podiatrist who performs an osseous surgical procedure of the ankle, arthrodesis for 2 or more tarsal bones, or a complete tarsal osteotomy in a licensed ambulatory surgical center must:

                                               (1) Have current surgical privileged at a licensed hospital for the same procedure; and

                                              (2) Meet the requirements of the ambulatory surgical center.

     

    (c) Qualification requirement and delineation of privileges by hospital or ambulatory surgical center. – Nothing in this title shall prohibit a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center from establishing qualifications or delineating privileges for the performance of surgical procedures of the human foot or ankle, the anatomical structures that attach to the human foot, or the soft tissue below the mid-calf by a licensed podiatrist in the hospital or ambulatory surgical center.

    Scope of Practice Issues Discussed by the Board

    Information

    The Board suggested that those practitioners who are interested in expanding the scope of practice should address the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) at 1 800 560 1818 for legislative action on behalf of the profession.

    Want to know if a procedure is within the scope of practice of podiatric medicine in Maryland? Then fax in your request to (410) 358 3083. Please note that the Board meets on the second Thursday of every month.

     

    What’s Not Included in the Practice of Podiatry

    Many products and programs have been developed that involve multilevel marketing and product selling. These programs, while pursued in a personal setting, have no impact on the Maryland licensing restrictions of Podiatric Medicine. However, while pursued in the doctor’s office in the treatment of patients, these products become a tool of the podiatrist in patient care. As such, it is important for the podiatrist to realize the scope of his/her practice. It is the opinion of the Board that offering “non medical” products for the treatment of hypertension, weight, cholesterol, and/or other similar medical problems does not, generally, fall within the scope of practice of a podiatrist in the State of Maryland.

    Last Updated: 06/15/2014