249 CMR, § 4.01
In the provision of podiatric care, the podiatrist examines, diagnoses and treats or prescribes course of treatment for patients with disorders, diseases or injuries of the foot and ankle; interviews patients and writes case histories to determine previous ailments, complaints and areas of investigation; examines footwear to determine proper fit, evidence of proper gait, and corrective care or treatment required; conducts complete physical examinations of the foot and ankle, including tissue, bone and muscular structure with emphasis on the relationship to diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and pathomechanical disease; make systemic as well as lower extremity diagnoses; conducts physical examination of any and all other areas of the body evidencing symptoms or conditions potentially contributing to disorders, diseases, injuries or symptoms of the foot; supplements examination by ordering or performing various laboratory tests, analyses and diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, which may be taken by the podiatry assistant under the registered podiatrist's supervision; interprets laboratory results and evaluates examination findings; refers patients to, or consults with, other physicians for further case diagnoses or treatment; administers treatment to eliminate lesions, infections, contagious diseases affecting the foot and ankle and other symptomatic conditions of the foot and ankle causing pain or affecting ambulation; performs appropriate therapeutic surgical procedures; prescribes appropriate medication; instructs nurses and other assistants in treatment and care of patients; prescribes and supervises construction and maintenance of orthotic foot devices and fabricates special appliances to foot or in footgear to meet the needs of individual patients; applies appliances to foot or in footwear; initiates other podiatric procedures or services and advises patients on proper care of feet and nail prophylaxis; reviews and studies case history and progress of patient; consults with surgeons and residents in establishing a therapeutic program for the patient; records data or case history on medical records; and advises on kind and quality of podiatric medical supplies and equipment required.
249 CMR, § 4.01