While the ACFAS mission includes promoting the art and science of foot and ankle surgery, it also includes addressing the concerns of the foot and ankle surgeon, including scope of practice, credentialing and privileging issues. The College has a Professional Relations Committee responsible for conducting and reviewing ACFAS activities in this area.

The College is aware that the Florida law since 1933 (full foot and leg including surgery of the entire leg) has not changed except one time in 1979, when the tibial tubercle limitation for surgery was enacted. The First District Court of Appeal made this point clear in 2001 that there has been no practice act expansion in the treatment of the foot and leg. Florida's scope of practice for podiatric physicians has existed in its current form without incident or issue.

A hospital cannot reduce a surgeon's privileges without a fair hearing. This is considered a sanction and normally a mandate must exist that would justify this, such as an immediate risk to the welfare of a patient, for a hospital to invoke this clause. This is uncommon and normally confined to acts of gross malfeasance. By attempting to reduce the long standing current scope of practice for podiatric physicians in Florida, the ACFAS believes they are essentially diminishing the current hospital privileges held by our members, in seeming violation of their due process rights.

HB 575 is a step down a very steep and slippery slope and would be a dangerous precedent. The ACFAS Board of Directors believes strongly this bill must be conclusively defeated in its entirety. ACFAS is working with various stakeholders, such as the FPMA and will provide appropriate assistance as requested.

ACFAS members are strongly encouraged to contact their State Representatives and Senators immediately to voice your strong opposition to this legislation.