Prohibited Acts and Procedures
This document outlines acts and procedures that are prohibited by the Podiatry scope of practice, however this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every possible action that may be prohibited. Please refer to the statute and rules for complete details.
Scope of Practice Definition
A Podiatrist’s scope of practice in Texas, which specifies allowable procedures that may be performed, is defined by Texas law and administrative rules.
Anesthesia, General - Administration of
A license to practice podiatry is NOT a license for a podiatrist to administer general anesthesia. However, podiatrists may request the provision of anesthesia services from the appropriate provider (whether that is from a MD/DO Anesthesiologist or CRNA) in consideration of the safety and well-being of a patient.
Death, Pronouncement of
A podiatrist is not authorized under the scope of practice to:
- Sign a death certificate
- File a death certificate with the local or state registrar
- Pronounce death
A Podiatrist is not one of the persons that Texas state law requires to file death certificates, or authorizes to determine and pronounce death.
Delegation of DPM Authority
Please see the Delegation of Authority from Podiatrists to Nurses page.
Fingernail Fungus (Laser) Treatment
A licensed Podiatrist may not provide fingernail fungus (laser) treatment, even upon a prescription from a MD/DO or APN-NP/PA requesting such treatment.
A license to practice Podiatry is limited to treatment of the foot. Fingernail Laser Therapy by a Podiatrist is outside the scope of practice for Podiatry and is not permissible.
Off-label Indication, Advertising of
Medical providers are restricted from advertising or promoting an off-label indication to attract patients for an off-label procedure; such promotion and inducement of an off-label therapy is misleading/deceptive.
See the Off-Label Use of Lasers by Podiatrists page for more details.
Physical Evaluations
Podiatrists may not issue physical examinations for:
- A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) DOT Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination
- The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation
See the Physical Examinations by Podiatrists page for more details.
Vaccine Administration, Influenza
A podiatrist is not authorized under the scope of practice to administer a flu shot, as influenza is not a disease, disorder, physical injury, deformity, or ailment of the human foot.
