Asynchronous Medicines Legislation for Non-Medical Prescribing.

National registration of Australian health practitioners aimed to facilitate workforce mobility. Non-medical prescribers, including nurses, podiatrists and optometrists, are overseen by National Boards which, in some cases, specify a formulary from which their health practitioners may prescribe. All prescribers must comply with their respective State or Territory's legislation. If prescribing a medicine that is a benefit under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), additional restrictions may apply. National Board and PBS prescribing formularies were compared and State and Territory medicines legislation was interrogated regarding non-medical prescribing. Discrepancies were identified between the approved formularies for non-medical prescribers, PBS prescribing formularies and medicines allowed to be prescribed under jurisdictional legislation. Asynchronous medicines legislation provides potential for health professionals to either inadvertently or knowingly breach legislation following national changes to health policy. Consideration should be given to the development of consistent legislation and its uniform commencement across all Australian jurisdictions.

The Application of Forensic Podiatry to Clinical Practice.

The practice of the clinical podiatrist traditionally focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Clinical podiatrists are expected to be mindful of "the principles and applications of scientific enquiry." This includes the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process. In contrast, the forensic podiatrist specializes in the analysis of foot-, ankle-, and gait-related evidence in the context of the criminal justice system. Although forensic podiatry is a separate, specialized field, many aspects of this discipline can be useful in the clinical treatment and management of foot and ankle problems. The authors, who are forensic podiatrists, contend that the clinical podiatrist can gain significant insights from the field of forensic podiatry. This article aims to provide clinical podiatrists with an overview of the principles and methods that have been tested and applied by forensic podiatrists in their practice, and suggests that the clinical practice of the nonforensic foot practitioner may benefit from such knowledge.

Tips for testifying.

The author offers practical suggestions for the witness to help improve effectiveness without compromising truthfulness when testifying in depositions and trial. The guidelines are designed to reduce the podiatrist's apprehension when venturing into the legal arena and to serve as resource material.

Problems with procedures.

The author evaluated over 2,000 nationwide claims in 14 years of podiatric malpractice suits. Surgical results are reviewed along with primary areas that generate claims. Suggestions are given on the impending claims and recommendations for abatement.

Podiatric malpractice litigation. What to do and what to expect.

Many podiatric physicians will never be sued during their careers, but if a suit happens, it can be one of the most stressful times in their lives. After contacting the insurance carrier, the podiatric physician must then wait as the case develops through the legal system. The deposition is when the podiatric physician will be asked questions about the case. It is important to remember to carefully answer the questions asked. Once in the trial stage, the appearance and testimony of the podiatric physician will be important in the jury's eyes. If a decision is not in your favor, you may be able to appeal the case to a higher court. Some cases may not go to trial as they could be settled or arbitrated along the way. By listening to your attorney and following the attorney's advice and recommendations, the legal process will be easier to manage and understand.

Scope of practice in podiatric sports medicine.

The author discusses the issue of scope of practice in podiatric sports medicine and cases involving this area of practice, as well as the attendant ramifications. By gaining insight into this tissue, it is hoped the importance of practicing within the specific state scope of practice laws will be recognized.

Guidelines for podiatric services in long-term care facilities.

The inclusion of appropriate podiatric services in long-term care programs often will produce dramatic effects. Immobility can be replaced by activity. Quality of care translates into quality of life. Support and encouragement can be directed to independence and a strong sense of personal identity and worth. Isolation can be replaced by interaction. When the quality of life decreases as a result of disease, disability, or age, those precious aspects of dignity must be restored to a maximum level by caring staff and people. Because walking is a catalyst for life, podiatric care can help restore some of the lost dignity by keeping patients walking and moving about, so that they can accept and participate in the social activities provided by the facility.

Role of state licensing boards.

Some leaders of the profession and its educational components have voiced concern about changes under way in California and questioned whether the state board of podiatric medicine is acting appropriately. The author attempts to clarify the role of state licensing boards, developments in California, and the board's alignment with those calling for state licensing agencies to help lead reform of medical education.

History of residency selection issues in podiatric medicine.

Issues related to residency interview and selection processes have concerned the podiatric medical profession for nearly 20 years. This article presents a chronology and summary of efforts undertaken to address these problems, including a discussion of legal ramifications of residency approval requirements related to establishment of a uniform notification date and participation in a resident-matching service.

Use of a computerized digital camera in podiatric medical practice.

Multimedia technology was once rarely found outside the realm of commercial production studios or in elaborate computer games. However, with the addition of only a few simple accessories, recent advances have made this technology readily available to the podiatric medical practitioner on a desktop office computer. The role that the application of multimedia technology using a computerized digital camera can play in a podiatric medical practice--including in such areas as record keeping, outcome measurement, patient education, interdisciplinary communications, and practice-management tools--is discussed.

Informed consent and advance directives.

Contrary to popular belief, a patient's signature on a piece of paper does not constitute informed consent. This article describes the ethical framework of consent in the context of the larger process of informed decision making. The elements of informed consent are examined in practical terms. Common pitfalls are addressed, with strategies to help anticipate and resolve possible dilemmas. These important tools are integral to all levels of medical decision making, including those at the end of life.

Legal aspects of podiatric pain management.

The topic of pain management remains a minor component of the formal education and training of residents and physicians in the United States. Misguided attitudes concerning acute and chronic pain management, in addition to reservations about the legal aspects of pain management, often translate into a "fear of the unknown" when it comes to narcotic prescription. The intentionally limited scope of this review is to promote an understanding of the laws regulating pain management practices in the United States and to provide recommendations for appropriate pain management assessment and documentation based on the Model Policy for the Use of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain established by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States.