Information on Scope of Practice for Doctors of Podiatric Medicine

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are licensed under Section 2472 of the State Medical Practice Act. They diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures (including the tendons that insert into the foot and the nonsurgical treatment of the muscles and tendons of the leg).

DPMs with training or experience in wound care may treat ulcers resulting from local and systemic etiologies on the leg no further proximal than the tibial tubercle. DPMs may assist Medical Doctors and Osteopathic Doctors (MDs, DOs) in any surgery--podiatric or non-podiatric.

DPMs with training may perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), full physical and histories, IV therapies, telehealth consultations, esthetic treatments, and acupuncture. DPMs may provide prescription orthotics, administer vaccines, and prescribe medications.

PMBC does not provide legal advice. All the scope issues described above are controlled by various California statutes and regulations and PMBC suggests that those with specific questions regarding these scope issues consult with competent legal counsel, contact the California Podiatric Medical Association for legal referrals and additional information, and get information from the professional liability carrier providing coverage to the provider as well as contacting benefit plans that may be able to give important information regarding financial coverage and reimbursement for the provision of podiatric medical services.

DPMs are allowed to supervise allied health professionals and medical assistants pursuant to each of the assistants’ scope of practice but they are not allowed to supervise procedures extending beyond the foot and ankle scope limitations. DPMs are not allowed to delegate invasive procedure and must remain chairside with assistants for treatments such as laser treatments and nail or skin care that could be invasive.

Please review California’s Business and Professions Code (“BPC”), Division 2. Healing Arts, Chapter 5. Medicine, Article 22. Podiatric Medicine [2460 2499.8] The scope of practice statute relating specifically to scope of practice matters for DPMs in California can be reviewed at BPC 2472.

For questions or further information, please contact the Board at pmbc@dca.ca.gov.

Revised July 2024