Agency Contact Information
Authority
The State Board of Chiropody Examiners, established in 1941, was the predecessor to the Board of Podiatry Examiners. Podiatry is synonymous with chiropody and means diagnosis or treatment of the human foot and leg. Current statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§32-801 through 32-871.
Function
The Board of Podiatry Examiners (Board) was established to assure the competency of podiatrists and prevent conduct that is harmful to the public. The Board licenses and regulates the practice of podiatry, which diagnoses and treats ailments of the foot, ankle and lower leg.
Applicants for licensure must meet qualifications based on education, capability, credentials and professional record; pass an oral and written examination; complete a residency program; and pay required fees. The Board may revoke or suspend a license, impose civil penalties, conduct hearings and investigations, and enforce standards of practice. The Board consists of five members, appointed by the Governor to five-year terms.
History
Laws 1941, Chapter 112 created the State Board of Chiropody Examiners, outlined requirements for the practice of chiropody, established qualifications for licensing, provided standards of practice and created the Chiropody Fund. The measure also authorized the Board to take enforcement actions including revocation, suspension and penalties. The Board consisted of three members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.
Laws 1964, Chapter 106 changed the name from the State Board of Chiropody Examiners to the Board of Podiatry Examiners. The Board and its responsibilities were essentially unchanged.
The measure reorganized statutes, made conforming changes to reflect the name change, retained current Board members through the end of their terms and provided for transfer of all records, furniture, property and funds to the new Board.
Laws 1970, Chapter 139 provided compensation for Board members at $20 per day for meetings or administration of examinations, prescribed minimum passing grades for examinations, authorized the Board to hire specialists to assist with examinations, and established a process for conducting investigations and hearings.
Laws 1977, Chapter 134 expanded the Board to five members, adding two lay members; required all members to be U.S. citizens; established continuing education requirements; and increased fees.
Laws 1982, Chapter 202 allowed the Board to employ permanent and temporary personnel, including investigators; provided immunity for actions taken by the Board in good faith; and increased licensing fees.
Laws 1988, Chapter 211 allows the Board to file a letter of concern if after investigation, it determines that a violation is not serious enough to merit censure, or probation, suspension or revocation of a license.
Laws 1989, Chapter 112 authorized podiatrists to dispense prescription drugs and devices and provided the Board enforcement authority regarding dispensing practices.
Laws 1991, Chapter 201 authorized the Board to impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for specified violations of podiatry laws.
Laws 2017, Chapter 82 allowed a podiatrist to perform an amputation of the toe. A sunrise hearing conducted by the Senate Health and Human Services and House Health Committee of Reference (COR) supported the request to expand the scope of practice relating to amputation. See December 16, 2016 COR meeting minutes and Arizona State Senate Final Revised Fact Sheet. Note: “Sunrise review” is a legislative process, used to consider requests from health professions for legislation or for an expansion of scope of practice.
Laws 2019, Chapter 195 allowed the Board to authorize its executive director to issue licenses, certifications, registrations, preceptorships, reinstatements, and waivers to eligible applicants who meet the requirements identified in the statute. In addition, the Board may issue temporary licenses of thirty days to qualified applicants who meet the statutory requirements and may adopt rules to carry out the new provisions.
A second enactment in 2019 requires the Board to regulate the unauthorized practice of the profession by investigating complaints and referring verified complaints to the county attorney or attorney general for prosecution. See Laws 2019, Chapter 227.
Laws 2021, Chapter 301 requires a person to have a fingerprint clearance card before applying for a license, rather than submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Board. In addition, the measure allows the Board to establish fees for issuing a duplicate license, copying records, providing a licensee list, and providing audio files. The measure also modifies record-keeping requirements, requires the Board to adopt administrative rules relating to podiatric medical assistants and changes the violation for practicing without a license from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony.
Sources
- Arizona Code Annotated 1939: 1952 Cumulative Supplement §§67-2001 et seq.
- Arizona Revised Statutes §§32-801 through 32-871
- Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) §§R4-25-101 et seq.
- Session Laws
- Laws 1941, Chapter 112
- Laws 1964, Chapter 106
- Laws 1970, Chapter 139
- Laws 1977, Chapter 134
- Laws 1982, Chapter 202
- Laws 1988, Chapter 211
- Laws 1989, Chapter 112
- Laws 1991, Chapter 201
- Laws 2017, Chapter 82
- Laws 2019, Chapter 195 and Chapter 227
- Laws 2021, Chapter 301
Arizona Auditor General Report- Performance Audit and Sunset Review: Board of Podiatry Examiners. No. 08-06, September 2008.
Related Collections at Arizona Archives
- Record Group 176 – Arizona Board of Podiatry Examiners, 1941-1991