APMA is disappointed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) continued efforts to oppose legislation modernizing podiatrists' scope of practice in Massachusetts. AAOS has provided grant funding to the Massachusetts Orthopaedic Association to oppose the legislation and characterized the lack of legislative progress as a success.
This characterization is particularly troubling given the implications of outdated scope-of-practice laws for podiatrists and patients. Podiatric medical education, residency training, and surgical expertise have advanced, yet Massachusetts law has failed to keep pace. Opposition to scope modernization perpetuates unnecessary restrictions on qualified podiatrists and limits patients’ access to needed foot and ankle care.
APMA and the Massachusetts Foot and Ankle Society (MFAS) have worked tirelessly to advance scope modernization in Massachusetts, educating legislators about podiatrists' extensive education and training and advocating for laws that reflect the qualifications of today's podiatric physicians and surgeons. AAOS's decision to provide grant funding to oppose these efforts for the first time underscores the growing attention to this issue and the momentum that APMA and MFAS have built through years of sustained advocacy.
“Their opposition reinforces the importance of our momentum,” said David Sipala, DPM, MFAS President, underscoring the organization’s determination to keep pushing forward. “Our resolve remains strong. Our patients remain the priority. Our work continues.”
APMA remains steadfast in its support of MFAS and its efforts to modernize Massachusetts' scope of practice laws.
“We encourage Massachusetts podiatrists to remain engaged, support MFAS's legislative advocacy efforts, and make their voices heard,” said APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM, emphasizing the profession’s unified commitment to advancing this effort.
“Together, we will continue advocating for policies that recognize podiatrists' education and training, strengthen states’ ability to attract and retain qualified podiatrists, and protect patients' access to high-quality foot and ankle care.”