August 14, 2017

APMA staff and members from the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society (MPMS) recently attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), August 6–9 in Boston. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, commonwealths, and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.

With more than 5,000 legislators, staff, and other stakeholders in attendance, the summit provides an opportunity for APMA's Center for Professional Advocacy to educate legislators and their staff about the podiatric medical profession and discuss the education, training, and experience of podiatric physicians and surgeons.

APMA talked to many legislators about the need to for states to pass scope-of-practice laws commensurate with the education, training, and experience of podiatrists, especially in states that limit the practice of podiatric medicine to the foot. APMA also discussed the value of podiatric medicine and the cost-savings podiatrists provide to state health-care financing systems, among other issues such as physician definition and supervision of physician extenders. 

APMA has created a variety of tools and resources to distribute on-site to help educate policymakers about the podiatric medical professional, including fact sheets on the education and training of podiatric physicians and surgeons. These resources are available online for APMA members to share with their legislators at any time.

APMA extend its gratitude to MPMS members Drs. Anish Amin, Jennifer Buchanan, Hua Pham, Anthony Tickner, and Susan Walsh for sharing part of their day with APMA and talking to legislators about foot and ankle health during the legislative summit.

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