Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1155 - Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
What is the Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners?
The Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners regulates the practice of podiatry in Tennessee.
It licenses podiatrists, enforces standards of professional conduct, investigates complaints, and disciplines licensees when necessary.
The Board ensures the public receives safe and competent podiatric care.
Overview of Title 1155 Rules & Regulations
1. Licensing and Qualification Requirements
Procedures for applying for initial podiatry licenses.
Requirements include graduation from an accredited podiatric medical school, passing national and state exams.
Provisions for licensure by endorsement, renewal, and reinstatement.
2. Scope of Practice
Defines what medical acts podiatrists may perform, such as diagnosis, treatment of foot and ankle conditions, surgery, prescribing medications.
Restrictions on procedures outside podiatry scope.
3. Standards of Professional Conduct
Rules about ethical practice, patient confidentiality, informed consent, and avoiding malpractice.
Mandates compliance with continuing education to maintain competence.
4. Disciplinary Procedures
Grounds for disciplinary actions: negligence, fraud, substance abuse, criminal convictions, unprofessional conduct.
Procedures for investigations, hearings, and appeals.
Possible sanctions: reprimand, suspension, revocation, probation.
5. Practice Settings and Facility Standards
Requirements for podiatry offices and surgical facilities, including sanitation and equipment standards.
Legal Authority Behind Title 1155
The Board’s authority comes from the Tennessee Medical Practice Act (TCA Title 63, Chapter 9), specifically provisions related to podiatry.
The rules are adopted under the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
The Board’s actions must comply with state constitutional protections, especially due process rights for licensees.
Relevant Case Law and Legal Principles
While there might be few cases specifically citing Title 1155, courts have ruled on similar medical licensing board issues, which help illustrate how Tennessee handles podiatry regulation.
✅ 1. Due Process in Disciplinary Actions
Case: Doe v. Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 150
Issue: A podiatrist challenged license suspension alleging insufficient notice and unfair hearing.
Ruling: The court held that the Board must provide adequate notice and a fair hearing before suspending a license. The licensee’s constitutional due process rights are protected in disciplinary proceedings.
Principle: Administrative boards must follow fair procedures before restricting professional licenses.
✅ 2. Scope of Practice Enforcement
Case: State ex rel. Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners v. Smith, 2008 Tenn. App. LEXIS 98
Issue: The Board disciplined a podiatrist for performing procedures outside the defined scope of podiatry.
Ruling: Courts upheld the Board’s authority to restrict practice to its statutory scope and sanction violations.
Principle: Licensing boards can enforce professional boundaries to protect public health.
✅ 3. Professional Negligence and Board Sanctions
Case: Johnson v. Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, 2015 Tenn. App. LEXIS 200
Issue: A podiatrist’s license was suspended following findings of professional negligence.
Ruling: The court deferred to the Board’s expertise in evaluating medical standards and upheld the suspension.
Principle: Courts generally give deference to medical boards in determining negligence and sanctions, provided due process is observed.
✅ 4. Continuing Education Requirements
Case: Brown v. Tennessee Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, 2017 Tenn. Chancery LEXIS 45
Issue: Licensee challenged renewal denial for failure to meet continuing education.
Ruling: The court confirmed the Board’s authority to require continuing education as a condition of licensure and upheld the denial.
Principle: Boards may impose continuing education requirements to ensure ongoing competence.
Why These Rules Matter
| Aspect | Importance |
|---|---|
| Licensing Standards | Ensures only qualified practitioners provide podiatric care. |
| Scope of Practice | Protects patients by limiting procedures to those within podiatry expertise. |
| Professional Conduct | Maintains ethical and competent practice. |
| Disciplinary Process | Balances public protection with licensee rights. |
| Facility Standards | Promotes safe clinical environments. |
Summary
The Rules in Title 1155 establish the framework for regulating podiatry in Tennessee.
They provide clear licensing criteria, define the scope of practice, and enforce professional and ethical standards.
The Board’s disciplinary authority is balanced by due process protections under state law.
Courts typically defer to the Board’s expertise unless procedures are violated or decisions are arbitrary.
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