Background
In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2817 that explicitly includes “the treatment of the skin, skin-related structures and subcutaneous masses, and wounds involving skin, skin-related structures and subcutaneous masses, on the human leg no further proximal than the tibial tubercle" within the podiatry scope of practice starting January 1, 2024.
Resources:
HB 2017 Workgroup
On August 23, 2023, the Oregon Medical Board hosted a workgroup to review and make recommendations to implement HB 2817 (2023). The bill explicitly included “the treatment of the skin, skin-related structures and subcutaneous masses, and wounds involving skin, skin-related structures and subcutaneous masses, on the human leg no further proximal than the tibial tubercle" within the podiatry scope of practice. The workgroup included persons with subject matter expertise who would likely be affected by the proposed rules. The workgroup included Board members, DPMs, MD/DO physicians, and representatives of professional associations. The process was designed to include a diversity of opinions and viewpoints. Although the workgroup members made recommendations, the Oregon Medical Board retains decision making authority. The HB 2817 workgroup meeting was open to the public and any member of the public could attend the meeting and participate during the designated public comment period.
Rulemaking Timeline:- August 23, 2023 – HB 2817 workgroup meeting, see Workgroup Meeting Packet and Workgroup Minutes.
- September 13, 2023 – Administrative Affairs Committee (AAC) meeting; AAC reviewed the workgroup information and recommended initiation of the rulemaking.
- October 5, 2023 – Oregon Medical Board (OMB) meeting; OMB initiated the rulemaking.
- November 16, 2023, 1 p.m. Public Hearing.
- November 27, 2023, Close of Public Comment.
- December 13, 2023, AAC meeting; AAC reviewed comments and make a recommendation.
- January 4, 2024, OMB meeting; OMB reviewed AAC recommendation, public comments, and adopted rule.