Syllabus)
Disclaimer: This guide is for illustrative study purposes. Always consult the primary
sources: the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle E (Podiatrists), the Texas
Administrative Code, Title 22, Part 18 (Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation - Podiatry), and the official TDLR website for the most current rules and
statutes.
1. What is the primary state agency responsible for regulating the practice of
podiatry in Texas?
ANSWER: ✓ The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The Texas State
Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (TSBPME) acts in an advisory role to TDLR on
podiatric matters.
2. Under the Texas Occupations Code, what is the legal definition of "Podiatry"?
ANSWER: ✓ Podiatry means the treatment of or offer to treat any disease, disorder,
physical injury, deformity, or ailment of the human foot and ankle, including the surgical
and medical treatment of the anatomical structures of the foot and ankle that are part
of the musculoskeletal system. The term does not include the amputation of the entire
foot.
3. What anatomical scope is included in the practice of podiatry in Texas?
ANSWER: ✓ The human foot and ankle as they relate to the foot, including the surgical
and medical treatment of the anatomical structures of the foot and ankle that are part
of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the tibia and fibula at the level of the ankle
joint.
4. Is a Texas podiatric license required to practice on Texas residents if the doctor
is physically located out of state (e.g., telemedicine)?
ANSWER: ✓ Yes. A person must hold a Texas license to practice podiatry on a patient
located in Texas, regardless of where the practitioner is physically located.
5. What are the minimum professional liability insurance limits required for a
podiatrist practicing in Texas?
, ANSWER: ✓ At least $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate per year, or evidence
of financial responsibility in those amounts.
6. How often must a podiatrist renew their Texas license?
ANSWER: ✓ The license must be renewed every two years on the licensee's birth
month.
7. What constitutes the "practice of podiatry" regarding ankle surgery?
ANSWER: ✓ It includes the surgical treatment of the ankle and the soft tissue structures
proximal to the ankle governing the function of the foot and ankle, as long as it is within
the scope of the podiatrist's training and competence, and is performed in an accredited
or licensed hospital or ASC.
8. What is the required amount of continuing medical education (CME) for
podiatric license renewal in Texas?
ANSWER: ✓ 40 hours of CME every two years. Of these, at least 2 hours must be in
ethics/professional responsibility, and 2 hours in laws and rules governing podiatry in
Texas.
9. Can a podiatrist prescribe controlled substances in Texas?
ANSWER: ✓ Yes, but they must have a valid DEA registration and comply with Texas
Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) requirements for Schedule II-V prescriptions.
10. What must a podiatrist do before performing surgery in an office setting?
ANSWER: ✓ The office must be registered with TDLR as a "Podiatric Surgical Facility"
unless exempt (e.g., minor procedures under local anesthesia only). The podiatrist must
ensure the facility meets all safety and reporting standards.
11. What information must be included on a prescription issued by a podiatrist?
ANSWER: ✓ The practitioner's name, address, phone number, and signature; patient's
name and address; drug name, strength, quantity, and directions for use; and the date
of issue. For controlled substances, the DEA number is required.
12. When must a podiatrist check the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program
(PMP) before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances?
ANSWER: ✓ A podiatrist must query the PMP for a patient's history before initially
prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol, and at least
quarterly thereafter if the prescription continues.
13. What is informed consent, and when is it required?
ANSWER: ✓ Informed consent is the process of communicating to the patient the risks,
benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes of a proposed treatment or procedure. It