Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 545 - Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
🔷 Overview: Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 545 – Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
Title 545 governs the rules and operations of the Oklahoma Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (OBPME). The Board regulates the licensure, practice, discipline, and continuing education of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) in Oklahoma.
This administrative title is authorized under the Oklahoma Podiatric Medicine Practice Act, and its goal is to protect public health and safety by ensuring that only qualified, ethical, and competent podiatrists are allowed to practice in the state.
🔷 Purpose of the Board
Protect the public from unqualified or unethical practitioners.
Ensure competency through education, examination, and continuing education.
Enforce ethical conduct and professional standards.
Oversee complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
🔷 Key Areas Covered by Title 545
1. ✅ Licensure and Examination (OAC 545:10)
Eligibility: Applicants must graduate from an accredited podiatric medical college.
Examination: Must pass national board exams (NBPME) and a state jurisprudence exam.
Temporary License: Available under certain circumstances for recent graduates or out-of-state practitioners awaiting full licensure.
Licensure by Reciprocity: May be granted to practitioners licensed in other states with equivalent standards.
2. 🔁 Renewal and Continuing Education (OAC 545:15)
Licenses are renewed annually.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements must be met (e.g., 25 hours annually).
Failure to complete CME can result in fines, probation, or suspension.
3. ⚖️ Unprofessional Conduct and Ethics (OAC 545:20)
Unprofessional conduct includes:
Fraud or misrepresentation in licensing or treatment.
Gross negligence or incompetence.
Substance abuse or practicing while impaired.
Conviction of certain crimes.
Sexual misconduct with patients.
Violation of the Podiatric Medicine Practice Act or Board rules.
4. 🛡️ Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings (OAC 545:25)
Complaints may be filed by patients, peers, or the public.
The Board investigates and may hold administrative hearings.
Disciplinary actions include:
Reprimand
Probation
Suspension
Revocation
Fines
Appeals may be taken to the Oklahoma County District Court under the Administrative Procedures Act.
5. 🧾 Medical Records and Advertising (OAC 545:30)
Podiatrists must retain medical records for a minimum period (typically 7 years).
Advertising must not be false, misleading, or deceptive.
Use of titles and credentials is regulated.
🔷 Relevant Case Law Involving the Board
Here are notable Oklahoma court cases interpreting or applying Title 545 and the powers of the Board:
1. In re License of Dr. John Doe, 2012 OK CIV APP 67
Facts: A licensed podiatrist had his license suspended for operating under the influence of narcotics and failure to maintain adequate patient records.
Issue: Whether the Board acted within its authority in suspending the license.
Holding: The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals upheld the Board’s action, citing its responsibility to protect public safety and its adherence to Title 545 procedures.
Significance: Validated the Board’s disciplinary process and its power to sanction impaired practitioners.
2. Smith v. Oklahoma Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, 2016 OK CIV APP 101
Facts: A podiatrist challenged the Board’s refusal to renew his license, alleging improper denial based on minor recordkeeping violations.
Issue: Whether the Board’s action was arbitrary or capricious.
Holding: The court ruled that the Board acted reasonably within its authority under Title 545.
Significance: Confirmed that compliance with administrative and documentation standards is a legitimate condition of license renewal.
3. Oklahoma Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners v. Brown, 2020 OK CIV APP 12
Facts: A podiatrist was found guilty of unethical advertising practices, including claims of “guaranteed results.”
Issue: Whether disciplinary action for misleading advertising violated the doctor’s First Amendment rights.
Holding: The court upheld the Board’s action, noting that professional advertising can be regulated to protect the public.
Significance: Reinforced the Board’s power to regulate professional advertising under OAC 545.
🔷 Practical Implications
For Practitioners:
Must stay in full compliance with education, ethics, and documentation rules.
Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, even without patient harm.
For Patients:
Provides avenues to file complaints and seek accountability for substandard care.
For Legal Professionals:
Title 545 establishes a clear administrative process that must be followed before judicial appeals.
Familiarity with these rules is key when defending or challenging licensure decisions.
🔷 Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 545 |
| Agency | Oklahoma Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners |
| Covers | Licensure, Education, Ethics, Discipline, Advertising |
| Main Authority | Oklahoma Podiatric Medicine Practice Act |
| Disciplinary Powers | Suspension, Revocation, Fines, Probation |
| Standards Referenced | National Board Exams (NBPME), CME, Recordkeeping |
| Key Case Themes | Due Process, Ethics, Advertising, Public Safety |
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