January 8, 2024

This past fall, the District of Columbia Podiatric Medical Association (DCPMA) and APMA became aware of proposed legislation that would dissolve the currently separate and autonomous DC Board of Podiatry, and move podiatric physician licensing and regulation under the DC Board of Medicine. The proposal would also prohibit DPMs from serving in the chair position on the DC Board of Medicine. While the proposal is still currently only before the DC Council Committee on Health, if ultimately approved, this change could have a significant impact on podiatric physicians and patients alike in the District.

At the request of DCPMA, APMA worked with DCPMA to coordinate a multipronged response:

• APMA assisted in drafting DCPMA’s comment letter, in addition to submitting our own in support of DCPMA’s position opposing the change;
• APMA supported DCPMA in drafting and presenting testimony provided by Joel Morse, DPM, President of DCPMA, and Theresa Hilliard, DPM, Chair, DC Board of Podiatry at the public hearing held on December 7, 2023; and
• APMA established an email campaign for DCPMA to share directly with its members, as well non-members licensed to practice in DC, non-DPM colleagues, and patients in the District who might be impacted by the change. The purpose of this campaign is to inform the Committee on Health about the potential negative consequences of the proposed change.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact CPA staff at advocacy@apma.org.

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