Urge Governor to Veto Legislation to Expand Surgical Scope of Podiatrists
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Physicians are urged to contact Governor Hochul to request that she veto S.6693-B/A.4613-B, legislation, which passed at the very end of the Session that threatens patient safety by significantly expanding the scope of surgical practice for podiatrists without ensuring adequate training, oversight, or patient protections. MSSNY has joined with the New York State Society of Orthopedic Surgeons and several other specialty societies to oppose this legislation.
There are a number of serious concerns with this bill but the greatest concern is its authorization of podiatrists to perform partial and total ankle replacement (TAR), a high-risk procedure that is not required in core podiatric residency training. TAR is one of the most technically demanding procedures in surgery, with significantly higher complication and revision rates when performed by low-volume or inadequately trained surgeons. The complexity and risk of this procedure demand training and oversight consistent with orthopedic surgical pathways.
Other concerning provisions include:
- Extending operative authority for podiatrists to soft tissue of the leg below the tibial tuberosity .
- Expanding wound care privileges to areas above the ankle, using vague “contiguity” language without required with vascular or plastic surgery, even though such wounds often involve systemic disease and require multidisciplinary coordination
Please send a letter to Governor Hochul today.
