HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2315        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Paul J. Donato

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to the definition of podiatry.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2315        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to the definition of podiatry.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out section 13, as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 13. (a) As used in this chapter, "podiatry" is the specialty that addresses the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies and conditions of the leg, with special emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of the foot, ankle and their governing and related structures of the leg by any and all means. Osseous surgical treatment is limited to that part of the leg at or distal to the tibial tubercle.

(b) As used in sections 12B, 12G and 80B, "physician" shall include a podiatrist registered under section 16.

(c) Sections 13 to 18, inclusive, shall not apply to surgeons of the United States Army, United States Navy or of the United States Public Health Service or to physicians registered in the commonwealth.