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Prescribing and Dispensing Medications

Disclaimer: Law, rules and regulations, not Guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this Guideline may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations.

  • A licensed podiatrist may prescribe medications only for the treatment of a condition of the foot. A licensed pharmacist may question the podiatrist who is prescribing a medication which is intended for another condition, e.g., anti-depressants that are prescribed for a foot condition.
  • The licensed podiatrist, as authorized, may prescribe or dispense medications administered to a portion of the human body other than the foot (such as an injection or pill) for the purpose of treating the foot.
  • Licensed pharmacists may ensure that a prescriber is not prescribing beyond his or her practice. Therefore, it is not only appropriate, but ethical, for a pharmacist to question a podiatrist who prescribes medications that are indicated for a condition other than treatment of the foot. A pharmacist is not obligated to fill any prescription if the pharmacist has questions about the appropriateness of the prescription.

Citations of Pertinent Law, Rules or Regulations:

  • Education Law, section 6509(2) - practicing beyond the scope
  • Education Law, section 7001 - definition of podiatry
  • Regents Rules, part 29.1(b)(9) - practicing or offering to practice beyond the authorized scope
  • Regents Rules, part 29.2(a)(3) - record of treatment and evaluation
  • Regents Rules, part 29.1(b)(9) - practicing beyond competency