Modernizes the practice of podiatry specifically relating to ankle surgery.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant for the podiatry profession and healthcare in New York. By granting podiatrists the ability to engage in advanced ankle surgery, A04613 aims to enhance patient access to specialized care without the need for referrals to orthopedic surgeons for specific ankle procedures. This shift could lead to improved healthcare delivery in terms of timeliness and specialized treatment options available within podiatric practices.
Summary
Bill A04613 seeks to modernize and clarify the scope of practice for podiatrists in New York, particularly concerning ankle surgery. The bill adds definitions and conditions under which podiatrists can diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries on the foot and ankle, extending their practice to include advanced surgical procedures officially. It stipulates the parameters for the practice, particularly focusing on maintaining certain restrictions while allowing for the expansion of their responsibilities in treating more complex conditions.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits, the bill faces contention regarding the changes to existing regulations. Opponents argue that expanding the surgical scope of practice for podiatrists may lead to safety concerns, primarily if adequate training and supervision are not enforced. There are worries about whether podiatrists possess the necessary skills to perform advanced surgeries and the implications this could have on patient safety and care outcomes. Furthermore, discussions within the community emphasize the balance between enhancing practitioner capabilities and maintaining rigorous standards for patient safety.
Relates to a podiatry study and report by the commissioner of education, in consultation with the commissioner of health on the implementation of chapter 438 of the laws of 2012, as amended, authorizing the issuance of a privilege to perform podiatric standard or advanced ankle surgery and the impact of granting such a privilege on access to and quality of podiatric ankle surgery; makes related provisions.
Relates to a podiatry study and report by the commissioner of education, in consultation with the commissioner of health on the implementation of chapter 438 of the laws of 2012, as amended, authorizing the issuance of a privilege to perform podiatric standard or advanced ankle surgery and the impact of granting such a privilege on access to and quality of podiatric ankle surgery; makes related provisions.
Establishes the category of "qualified group practice" for medical, dental and podiatric practices that comply with certain standards and authorizes such practices to operate a malpractice prevention program.
Requires insurers to provide coverage for tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex pursuant to or as part of breast reconstruction surgery if such tattooing is performed by a physician or other health care practitioner working within their scope of practice.
Health occupations: health professionals; practice agreements for physician’s assistants; modify to include physician- or podiatrist-led patient care teams under certain circumstances and expand to include advanced practice registered nurses. Amends secs. 16221, 17001, 17047, 17049, 17201, 17211a, 17214, 17501, 17547, 17549, 18001, 18047, 18049, 20174 & 20201 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16221 et seq.) & adds secs. 17217 & 17217a.