In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice podiatry. “Licensed podiatrist” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a podiatrist who is licensed by the Board to practice podiatry. “Podiatrist” means an individual who practices podiatry. “Practice podiatry” means to diagnose or surgically, medically, or mechanically treat the human foot or ankle, the anatomical structures that attach to the human foot, or the soft tissue below the mid–calf. “Practice podiatry” does not include administration of an anesthetic, other than a local anesthetic.

This title does not limit the right of an individual to practice a health occupation that the individual is authorized to practice under this article. This title does not affect the commercial sale or fitting of shoes or foot appliances.

All osseous surgical procedures of the ankle, arthrodeses of 2 or more tarsal bones, and complete tarsal osteotomies that are performed by a licensed podiatrist shall be performed in a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center, subject to the provisions of § 19-351 of the Health - General Article. A licensed podiatrist who performs an osseous surgical procedure of the ankle, arthrodesis of 2 or more tarsal bones, or a complete tarsal osteotomy in a licensed ambulatory surgical center must: Have current surgical privileges at a licensed hospital for the same procedure; and Meet the requirements of the ambulatory surgical center. Nothing in this title shall prohibit a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center from establishing qualifications or delineating privileges for the performance of surgical procedures of the human foot or ankle, the anatomical structures that attach to the human foot, or the soft tissue below the mid-calf by a licensed podiatrist in the hospital or ambulatory surgical center.