Public consultation opens on reforms to strengthen regulation of podiatric surgeons

12 May 2025

The Podiatry Board of Australia is carrying out a public consultation on two proposed reforms to strengthen the regulation of podiatric surgeons.

The proposals respond to recommendations 2.a and 2.c from the Independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons and form part of the professional performance framework for podiatric surgeons.

A proposed change to the Board’s Registration standard: Specialist registration for the podiatry specialty of podiatric surgery requires podiatric surgeons to hold endorsement for scheduled medicines. This amendment aims to ensure podiatric surgeons are qualified to safely prescribe necessary scheduled medicines before and after surgery. This seeks to enhance the overall safety and quality of care provided by podiatric surgeons and ensures they have the knowledge and skill needed for comprehensive perioperative care.

Proposed draft Guidelines for practitioners undertaking podiatric surgery aim to strengthen registration and practice requirements for podiatric surgeons in areas such as patient selection, informed consent, perioperative care, and postoperative patient management. The guidelines are informed by the Medical Board of Australia’s Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures.

Chair of the Podiatry Board of Australia Dr Kristy Robson said the proposed changes support podiatric surgeons to practice safely and effectively.

‘Podiatric surgeons undertake complex procedures and provide a valuable service to consumers. This consultation is an important step toward making their practice safer and building public confidence,’ Dr Robson said.

‘The Independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons in Australia provided the Board with an opportunity to strengthen the profession and implement changes that better inform and protect the public.’

A copy of the public consultation paper, together with a snapshot of the consultation and a response template are available on the Board’s consultations webpage.

Feedback can be provided using the response template. Please send your submission as a Word document by email to podiatryconsultation@ahpra.gov.au by Friday 4 July 2025.

If you have any questions, please email podiatryconsultation@ahpra.gov.au.