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HB 2021

Podiatrists - As enacted, changes the scope of practice of a podiatrist from a person who examines, diagnoses, or treats, in addition to the ailments of the human foot and ankle, the soft tissue of the lower leg distal to the tibial tuberosity, instead of the soft tissue structures extending no higher than the distal tibial metaphyseal flair. - Amends TCA Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brock Martin

Tennessee bill expands podiatrists' legal authority to treat lower leg soft tissue up to the knee, raising the anatomical boundary of their practice scope.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 675
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Bill Summary · HB 2021

Legislative bill overview

HB 2021 expands the scope of practice for Tennessee podiatrists by allowing them to treat soft tissue in the lower leg up to the tibial tuberosity (the bony bump below the kneecap), rather than limiting treatment to only soft tissue structures at or below the distal tibial metaphyseal flare (a lower anatomical point on the tibia). This effectively raises the upper boundary of the lower leg region podiatrists can treat.

Why is this important

This change could allow podiatrists to address more comprehensive leg and ankle injuries without requiring patient referrals to other specialists, potentially improving access to care and reducing treatment fragmentation. However, it also reshapes the professional boundary between podiatrists and other medical specialties, particularly orthopedic surgeons and physical medicine specialists who traditionally treat the broader lower leg.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Orthopedic surgeons and other specialists may argue this inappropriately expands podiatrist authority into areas traditionally within their domain, potentially affecting referral patterns and professional relationships
  • Training and credentialing: Questions about whether current podiatric education and licensing adequately prepare practitioners for treating conditions at a higher anatomical level than their specialty traditionally covered
  • Patient safety and liability: Unclear whether expanding scope without corresponding enhanced training or oversight mechanisms could affect treatment quality or liability frameworks for podiatrists and healthcare systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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