APMA's outreach and collaboration with the American Public Health Association (APHA) has yielded an important victory. APHA's Foot and Ankle Section recently submitted a strong letter of support urging Massachusetts lawmakers to advance House Bill 2407 and Senate Bill 1542. This endorsement underscores the critical role of podiatrists in preventing diabetes complications, reducing amputations, and expanding access to high-quality foot and ankle care.
This latest support builds on APMA's ongoing advocacy alongside the Massachusetts Foot and Ankle Society (MFAS) to modernize state law and update the podiatric scope of practice to include the ankle. Massachusetts is one of only two remaining states that do not permit podiatrists to treat the ankle in the state statue.
APMA submitted written testimony, and APMA Trustee David Alper, DPM, provided oral testimony before the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Health on this matter. APMA also wrote to the Massachusetts Legislature to express support for MFAS's efforts to modernize the podiatric state scope of practice, and APMA was instrumental in securing a letter of support from the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders. These coordinated efforts highlight APMA's ongoing commitment to modernize podiatric practice in Massachusetts and eliminate restrictions in state.
Read APMA's comment letters at www.apma.org/CommentLetters. Contact the APMA Advocacy Department with any questions or concerns.