BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    



                                                                  AB 2196
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   April 9, 2002

                   ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS
                                  Lou Correa, Chair
                   AB 2196 (Lowenthal) - As Amended:  April 1, 2002
           
          SUBJECT  :   Podiatrists.

           SUMMARY  :   Allows a licensed podiatrist to legally use the  
          phrases "doctor of podiatric medicine," "doctor of podiatry,"  
          "podiatric doctor" and the acronym  "DPM" to advertise his or  
          her podiatric services.

           EXISTING LAW  :

          1)Specifies that a person who is issued a physician's and  
            surgeon's certificate by the Medical Board of California is  
            entitled to use the initials "M.D."

          2)Specifies that a person who publicizes in any sign, business  
            card, letterhead, or in any advertisement, the words "doctor"  
            or "physician," the letters or prefix "Dr.," or "M.D.,"  
            without having a valid certificate from the Medical Board of  
            California, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

          3)Specifies that any person who uses the word or words  
            "podiatrist," "foot specialist," or any other term or terms  
            indicating or implying that he or she is a podiatrist or  
            practices podiatric medicine or foot correction in any sign or  
            advertisement, without having a valid certificate from the  
            Board of Podicatric Medicine, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

           FISCAL EFFECT  :   Unknown

           COMMENTS  :  According to the author, it has become accepted  
          practice for podiatrists to refer to themselves as "Doctors of  
          Podiatric Medicine" and use the acronym "DPM" as a professional  
          designation on business cards, letterhead and advertisements.   
          The term "doctor" is distinct from the term "physician" and does  
          not imply that the licensed podiatrist has a medical degree.   
          The term "doctor" is used by other health care professionals,  
          such as "Doctor of Osteopathy," "Doctor of Chiropractic," and  
          "Doctor of Oriental Medicine."  This bill would align the  
          statute with current practice and allow podiatrists the same  
          professional designation. 








                                                                  AB 2196
                                                                  Page  2


           REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :   

           Support 
           
          California Physical Therapy Association
          California Podiatric Medical Association

           Opposition 
           
          None on file.
           
          Analysis Prepared by  :    Chris L. Gallardo / B. & P. / (916)  
          319-3301