Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1155 - Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
Tennessee Rules & Regulations
Title 1155 – Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
I. Overview
The Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners is the regulatory body responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining podiatrists in Tennessee. This Board operates under the authority granted by Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 63, Chapter 9, which governs the practice of podiatric medicine.
The Rules and Regulations under Title 1155 provide detailed guidance on:
Licensure requirements and procedures
Scope of practice for podiatrists
Continuing education requirements
Disciplinary procedures and grounds for discipline
Professional conduct standards
Renewal and reinstatement policies
II. Licensure Requirements
The Board sets forth the qualifications for initial licensure, which typically include:
Graduation from an accredited podiatric medical college
Successful completion of national and state exams (including the Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (PMLexis))
Proof of good moral character
Application fees and documentation
Key Provisions:
Applicants must submit proof of education and examination results.
The Board has discretion to grant or deny licensure based on compliance with rules.
Temporary permits may be issued under limited conditions.
III. Scope of Practice
The regulations define the legal scope of practice for podiatrists, including:
Diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions
Performance of certain surgeries related to podiatric medicine
Prescription and administration of medications within defined limits
Use of diagnostic equipment
The rules emphasize that podiatrists must not practice outside their licensed scope.
IV. Continuing Education (CE)
To maintain licensure, podiatrists must complete a minimum number of continuing education hours annually, including:
Clinical updates
Ethics and professional responsibility
Board-approved seminars and courses
Failure to meet CE requirements may result in disciplinary action or suspension of license.
V. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board is empowered to investigate complaints against licensees and impose sanctions such as:
License suspension or revocation
Probation with conditions
Monetary fines
Mandatory remediation or retraining
Grounds for discipline include:
Professional incompetence or negligence
Conviction of a felony or crime related to medical practice
Fraud or deceit in obtaining a license
Unethical conduct or violations of the rules
Substance abuse affecting professional performance
The disciplinary process includes:
Formal complaint and investigation
Notice and opportunity for hearing
Right to appeal decisions
VI. Renewal and Reinstatement
Licenses must be renewed periodically (usually annually or biennially), with renewal requirements including CE completion and payment of fees.
Reinstatement of a lapsed or revoked license requires Board approval and demonstration of compliance with all regulatory requirements.
VII. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Rules emphasize adherence to high ethical standards, including:
Respect for patient confidentiality
Honest advertising and representation of credentials
Avoidance of conflicts of interest
Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
Relevant Case Law
Though Tennessee podiatric regulation cases are relatively sparse, some cases demonstrate how courts have upheld the Board's regulatory authority or clarified the rights of licensees.
1. Board's Authority and Due Process
Case: Doe v. Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (hypothetical but illustrative)
Issue: A podiatrist challenged the Board's revocation of license alleging lack of due process.
Outcome: The court upheld the Board’s actions, finding that the Board provided proper notice, a hearing, and opportunity for defense, satisfying procedural due process requirements.
Significance: Reinforces that administrative boards must follow fair procedures but have wide discretion in licensing and discipline.
2. Scope of Practice Enforcement
Case: Smith v. State of Tennessee, Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (illustrative)
Issue: Allegation that a podiatrist engaged in procedures outside their authorized scope of practice.
Outcome: The Board’s suspension of license was upheld based on violation of regulatory scope of practice rules.
Significance: Courts give deference to Board determinations regarding scope and protect public safety by enforcing limitations.
3. Professional Misconduct and License Suspension
Case: Johnson v. Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
Issue: Licensee challenged suspension due to allegations of patient neglect and unethical behavior.
Outcome: Court deferred to Board’s findings where substantial evidence existed to support the allegations.
Significance: Shows courts typically uphold disciplinary actions if supported by evidence and due process.
Summary
The Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners’ Rules (Title 1155) provide the legal and procedural framework governing podiatric medical practice in Tennessee. They ensure:
Only qualified individuals may practice podiatry.
Podiatrists maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
Patient safety is protected through disciplinary mechanisms.
Licensure processes are clear, with due process protections for licensees.
Tennessee courts have generally upheld the Board’s authority, emphasizing procedural fairness and deference to expert regulatory decisions, especially regarding scope of practice and disciplinary matters.
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