(A) There is established the Joint Podiatric Surgery Advisory Committee as a committee of the Board of Podiatry Examiners. The purpose of the advisory committee is to assist the board in matters pertaining to podiatrists who perform surgical procedures of the ankle and related soft tissue structures.

(B) The advisory committee is to be composed of five members as follows:

(1) two orthopedic surgeons appointed by the Board of Medical Examiners, at least one of whom must be a foot and ankle specialist;

(2) two podiatrists appointed by the Board of Podiatry Examiners, both of whom must be RRA certified or qualified;

(3) one lay person appointed by the Governor.

(C) The orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists serving on the advisory committee must be licensed in good standing in this State and must be actively practicing within the geographic boundaries of this State.

(D) Members of the advisory committee are appointed for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify.

(E) Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The Board of Podiatry Examiners, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may remove any member of the advisory committee, except for the lay person appointed by the Governor, for negligence, neglect of duty, incompetence, revocation or suspension of license, or other dishonorable conduct. No member may serve more than two full four-year terms consecutively but may be eligible for reappointment four years from the date the last full four-year term expired.

(F) The advisory committee must meet at least two times yearly and at other times as may be necessary. The advisory committee must provide notice of its meeting pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.

(G) The advisory committee must adopt rules for its proceedings and elect officers. The advisory committee must keep records and minutes of its meetings as necessary to carry out its functions and must report on its activities at least annually to the Board of Podiatry Examiners and the Board of Medical Examiners and upon request of either board.

(H) The advisory committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities pertaining to podiatrists who perform surgical procedures of the ankle and related soft tissue structures:

(1) recommend policies or regulations to the Board of Podiatry Examiners regarding professional certification and standards of practice;

(2) recommend continuing education requirements to the Board of Podiatry Examiners;

(3) provide expert information and advice to the Board of Podiatry Examiners on issues related to patient safety and standard of care;

(4) assist the Department and the Board of Podiatry Examiners in processing complaints and issues by providing expert analysis and review of such complaints and issues after the department investigation is completed. The advisory committee must provide a comprehensive analysis of whether the standard of care was met and must make recommendations to the Board of Podiatry Examiners regarding appropriate sanctions if the advisory committee concludes that a violation of this act has occurred; and

(5) perform any other duties or responsibilities assigned by the Board of Podiatry.

HISTORY: 2018 Act No. 240 (H.3622), Section 1, eff May 17, 2018.