06/27/2025    Legislative Affairs Committee NYSPMA Board of Trustees

NY Legislature Approves Modernized Scope Bill (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)

We are writing in response to Dr. Chaskin and Dr.
Kass recent editorials concerning the new
Podiatric law in New York State. As always, we ALL
have our right to our opinions and PM News decides
what and whom to publish. However, the information
needs to be factual and the public has a right to
decide what they read.

In this situation it is important to note the
critique from Dr. Kass, who unfortunately is not a
member of the New York State Podiatric Medical
Association, is reflective of his individual
perspective and does not contribute to the
proactive dialogue necessary for our field.

The recently passed law empowers ALL podiatrists,
regardless of their certification, to now
diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the
ANKLE and foot, including performing biopsies,
treating wounds at and above the ankle and total
ankle replacements (TAR). This change
acknowledges the complexities of treatment that
extend to areas above the ankle joint, since the
ankle is defined as the distal metaphysis of the
tibia which is above the level of the joint. Yes,
it does not include surgery of the ankle unless
you are board qualified in foot and ankle surgery
and obtain a permit (must show logs demonstrating
you can perform the procedures or have the
appropriate training). Previously you had to be
certified for certain procedures and TAR’s were
out of the question but that has now changed.

The modernization of the scope bill in NY was
absolutely necessary for the current podiatrist
that could not perform certain procedures (and
were trained in them) and more importantly for the
FUTURE podiatrists graduating from residency who
have been properly trained in these procedures and
would NOT STAY in NY and practice to their full
capabilities. The modernization of the scope bill
is a 100% win for our profession, especially at
this time when student recruitment is down in all
schools and we lose well trained residents to
other states because there is no limit to their
scope of practice.

Now is the time when podiatrists unite and focus
even more on constructive efforts and advocacy.
The legislative committee at NYSPMA has worked
night and day along with GT LLP, to put this bill
forward and have it pass for ALL Podiatrist. This
is a time to be proud as we move into a new era of
podiatry in NY state.

If you have any specific questions please reach
out to NYSPMA as they will not be addressed in
PM News. NYSPMA is here for our members and we are
happy to discuss any topics with you. The bill has
passed but it is still awaiting the governor’s
signature and once signed there is still an 18
month lag time before it becomes law.

As always, we encourage everyone to get involved.
Attend your division meetings and become a member!
You can find the information on the NYSPMA website
nyspma.org and follow us on
social media @nyspma.

Legislative Affairs Committee
NYSPMA Board of Trustees

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06/27/2025    Legislative Affairs Committee NYSPMA Board of Trustees

NY Legislature Approves Modernized Scope Bill (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)

We are writing in response to Dr. Chaskin and Dr.
Kass recent editorials concerning the new
Podiatric law in New York State. As always, we ALL
have our right to our opinions and PM News decides
what and whom to publish. However, the information
needs to be factual and the public has a right to
decide what they read.

In this situation it is important to note the
critique from Dr. Kass, who unfortunately is not a
member of the New York State Podiatric Medical
Association, is reflective of his individual
perspective and does not contribute to the
proactive dialogue necessary for our field.

The recently passed law empowers ALL podiatrists,
regardless of their certification, to now
diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the
ANKLE and foot, including performing biopsies,
treating wounds at and above the ankle and total
ankle replacements (TAR). This change
acknowledges the complexities of treatment that
extend to areas above the ankle joint, since the
ankle is defined as the distal metaphysis of the
tibia which is above the level of the joint. Yes,
it does not include surgery of the ankle unless
you are board qualified in foot and ankle surgery
and obtain a permit (must show logs demonstrating
you can perform the procedures or have the
appropriate training). Previously you had to be
certified for certain procedures and TAR’s were
out of the question but that has now changed.

The modernization of the scope bill in NY was
absolutely necessary for the current podiatrist
that could not perform certain procedures (and
were trained in them) and more importantly for the
FUTURE podiatrists graduating from residency who
have been properly trained in these procedures and
would NOT STAY in NY and practice to their full
capabilities. The modernization of the scope bill
is a 100% win for our profession, especially at
this time when student recruitment is down in all
schools and we lose well trained residents to
other states because there is no limit to their
scope of practice.

Now is the time when podiatrists unite and focus
even more on constructive efforts and advocacy.
The legislative committee at NYSPMA has worked
night and day along with GT LLP, to put this bill
forward and have it pass for ALL Podiatrist. This
is a time to be proud as we move into a new era of
podiatry in NY state.

If you have any specific questions please reach
out to NYSPMA as they will not be addressed in
PM News. NYSPMA is here for our members and we are
happy to discuss any topics with you. The bill has
passed but it is still awaiting the governor’s
signature and once signed there is still an 18
month lag time before it becomes law.

As always, we encourage everyone to get involved.
Attend your division meetings and become a member!
You can find the information on the NYSPMA website
nyspma.org and follow us on
social media @nyspma.

Legislative Affairs Committee
NYSPMA Board of Trustees