Code of Massachusetts Regulations 249 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN PODIATRY
Code of Massachusetts Regulations: 249 CMR — Board of Registration in Podiatry
249 CMR governs the licensing, regulation, and professional conduct of podiatrists in Massachusetts. The regulations are issued by the Board of Registration in Podiatry, which operates under the Division of Professional Licensure.
The purpose of 249 CMR is to ensure that podiatrists provide safe, competent, and ethical medical care related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle conditions.
Purpose of 249 CMR
Licensing Standards
Establishes requirements for obtaining and maintaining a license to practice podiatry.
Ensures that only qualified professionals are authorized to treat patients.
Professional Competency
Requires podiatrists to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, pathology, surgery, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.
Sets standards for medical practice specific to the foot, ankle, and related structures.
Ethical and Professional Conduct
Mandates adherence to medical ethics, professional standards, and patient care guidelines.
Prohibits fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, and unprofessional conduct.
Continuing Education
Requires licensed podiatrists to complete continuing medical education (CME) to maintain licensure.
Ensures that practitioners remain current with medical advances and regulatory standards.
Disciplinary Authority
Grants the Board authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose disciplinary actions.
Protects the public from incompetent, unethical, or unsafe practice.
Key Sections of 249 CMR
1. Licensing Requirements
Applicants must meet minimum educational requirements, usually including:
Graduation from an accredited podiatric medical school.
Completion of approved residency or clinical training.
Applicants must pass state and national examinations demonstrating medical competency.
Licenses are renewed periodically and require documentation of continuing education.
2. Scope of Practice
Licensed podiatrists may:
Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the foot, ankle, and related structures.
Perform medical and surgical procedures within their training and license level.
Prescribe medications related to podiatric care.
Certain procedures may require additional certification or credentialing.
3. Professional Conduct
Podiatrists must:
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Provide care in accordance with accepted medical standards.
Avoid conflicts of interest and unethical relationships.
Maintain accurate medical records.
4. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints of:
Incompetence or negligence
Unethical or fraudulent conduct
Violation of state or federal medical laws
Sanctions may include:
License suspension or revocation
Fines or reprimands
Requirements for remedial education or supervised practice
Legal and Regulatory Principles
Public Protection
The primary goal is to protect patients by ensuring podiatrists are competent and ethical.
Due Process
Licensees facing disciplinary action have the right to notice, hearing, and appeal under Massachusetts administrative law.
Substantial Evidence Standard
Board decisions must be supported by evidence of violations or misconduct.
Courts generally uphold the Board’s decisions unless they are arbitrary, capricious, or unsupported.
Ethical Violations
Misrepresentation, fraud, or negligence in patient care can result in discipline even without direct harm if public trust is threatened.
Summary
249 CMR ensures that podiatrists in Massachusetts:
Are properly educated, trained, and licensed
Maintain competence through continuing education
Provide care in an ethical, professional, and safe manner
Are accountable through Board oversight and disciplinary procedures
The regulations protect the public, promote high professional standards, and ensure that podiatrists meet both medical and ethical requirements in their practice.
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