33-9-101. Definitions.
(a) As used in this act:
(i) "Podiatry" means the diagnosis or the medical, mechanical or surgical treatment of the ailments of the human foot, ankle and tendons that insert into the foot. Surgical treatment of the ankle and tendons that insert into the foot shall be limited to licensed podiatrists who have completed a podiatric surgical residency training program as approved by the board through rule and regulation. Podiatry also includes the fitting or the recommending of appliances, devices or shoes for the correction or relief of minor foot ailments. The practice of podiatric medicine shall include the amputation of the toes or other parts of the foot but shall not include the amputation of the foot or leg in its entirety. A podiatrist may not administer any anesthetic other than local. A general anesthesia shall be administered in a hospital by an anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist authorized under the laws of this state to administer anesthesia. Podiatrists are permitted to use and to prescribe drugs and controlled substances as may be necessary in the practice of podiatry.