N.J. Stat. § 45:5-1 Degree, abbreviation.
45:5-1. The degree of "D.P.M." is the abbreviation for "doctor of podiatric medicine" when used in this chapter. Amended 1947, c.355, s.1; 1948, c.434, s.1; 1965, c.141, s.1; 1983, c.529; 2005, c.259, s.1.
N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 5
N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 5
in effectN.J. Stat. § 45:5-2 Board of medical examiners to examine applicants for license to practice podiatric medicine; records; official register.
45:5-2. The State Board of Medical Examiners, hereinafter in this chapter designated as the "board," shall, in addition to the examinations provided for in chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, hold meetings for the examination of all applicants under this chapter for a license to practice podiatric medicine in this State, which meetings shall be held at the capitol building on the third Tuesday of June and October of each year, and at such other times and places as the board may deem expedient. The board shall keep an official record of all such meetings, and an official register of all applicants for a license to practice podiatric medicine in this State. The register shall show the name, age, nativity, last and intended place of residence of each candidate, the time he has spent in obtaining a competent academic education, and an education in podiatric medicine in a school teaching podiatric medicine, and the names and location of all podiatric medicine schools or examining boards which have granted the applicant any degree or certificate of attendance upon lectures upon podiatric medicine, or State examinations. The register shall also show whether said applicant was examined, licensed or rejected under this chapter, and it shall be prima facie evidence of all matters therein contained. Amended 1965, c.141, s.2; 2005, c.259, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-3 Applicants for examination; qualifications in general.
45:5-3. All persons desiring to commence the practice of podiatric medicine in this State shall apply to the board for a license so to do. Every such applicant for examination shall present to the secretary of said board, at least ten days before the commencement of the examination at which he is to be examined, a written application on a form provided by the board, together with satisfactory proof that he is a citizen of the United States more than twenty-one years of age, is of good moral character, has obtained a certificate from the Commissioner of Education of this State, showing that before entering a school or college of podiatric medicine he had obtained an academic education consisting of a four years' course of study in an approved public or private high school or the equivalent thereof, and has received a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine from some legally incorporated school or college of podiatric medicine of the United States requiring personal attendance, in good standing in the opinion of the board at the time of issuance of such diploma, and that prior to the receipt of such diploma from any such school or college of podiatric medicine of the United States, he had studied podiatric medicine not less than two full school years, including two satisfactory courses of lectures of at least eight months each, in two different calendar years in some legally incorporated American school or college of podiatric medicine requiring personal attendance, in good standing in the opinion of said board, and wherein the curriculum of study shall include instruction in the following branches: Practical podiatric medicine, podiatric orthopaedics, dermatology, diagnosis, anatomy, physiology, therapeutics in all its branches, pathology, histology, bacteriology, pharmacy and materia medica, chemistry, surgery and bandaging pertaining to the ailments of the feet or ankles. Amended 1947, c.355, s.2; 2005, c.259, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-4 Qualifications after January 1, 1934.
45:5-4. No person who shall have graduated after January first, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-four, shall be admitted to examination for license to practice podiatric medicine unless, in addition to the requirements of R.S.45:5-3 he shall prove further to the board that after the receipt of the diploma conferring the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine he had served an internship in a duly licensed clinic, connected or affiliated with a school or college of podiatric medicine and approved by the board, for one full school year of not less than eight months, consisting of a minimum number of four hundred and eighty hours devoted to the practice of podiatric medicine in all its branches. Amended 1947, c.355, s.3; 2005, c.259, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-5 Qualifications after January 1, 1938.
45:5-5. No person who shall have graduated after January first, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight, shall be admitted to examination for license to practice podiatric medicine unless in addition to the above requirements, as set forth in R.S.45:5-3, he shall prove further to the said board that prior to the receipt of diploma conferring the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine, he had studied podiatric medicine not less than three full school years, including three satisfactory courses of at least eight months each, in three different calendar years in some legally incorporated American school or college of podiatric medicine requiring personal attendance, in good standing in the opinion of said board, and wherein the curriculum of study shall include instructions as provided in R.S.45:5-3, and that after the receipt of such diploma, as aforesaid, he had served an internship in a duly licensed clinic, connected or affiliated with a school or college of podiatric medicine and approved by said board, for one full school year of not less than eight months, consisting of a minimum number of four hundred and eighty hours devoted to the practice of podiatric medicine in all its branches. Amended 1947, c.355, s.4; 2005, c.259, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-5.1 Educational requirements; internship.
5. No person who shall have graduated after January 1, 1955, shall be admitted to examination for a license to practice podiatric medicine unless in addition to the requirements set forth in R.S.45:5-3, he shall prove further to the said board (1) that prior to the receipt of a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine, he had completed a satisfactory course of one full school year in a legally incorporated and recognized college or university, approved by the Commissioner of Education of this State; (2) that he had then studied podiatric medicine for not less than 4 full school years, including the satisfactory completion of 4 courses of at least 8 months each, in 4 different calendar years in a legally incorporated American school or college of podiatric medicine, requiring personal attendance, in good standing in the opinion of said board, wherein the curriculum of study included instructions as provided in R.S.45:5-3; and that (3) after the receipt of such diploma, as aforesaid, he had served a rotating internship in a duly licensed clinic, hospital or institution approved by the board, for one full year devoted to the practice of podiatric medicine in all its branches. L.1954,c.261,s.5; amended 1962, c.187, s.1; 2005, c.259, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-5.2 Applications by graduates of college of podiatric medicine after May 1, 1964; contents of application.
10. Any person desiring to commence the practice of podiatric medicine in this State who has graduated from a college of podiatric medicine approved by the board after May 1, 1964 shall apply to the board for a license so to do. Every such applicant for examination shall present to the secretary of said board, at least 20 days before the commencement of the examination at which he is to be examined, a written application on a form provided by the board, together with satisfactory proof that he is a citizen of the United States, more than 21 years of age, is of good moral character, and (1) He has obtained an academic education consisting of a 4-year course of study in an approved public or private high school or the equivalent thereof, and (2) He has completed a satisfactory course of 2 full school years in a legally incorporated and recognized college or university, approved by the board, and (3) He has studied podiatric medicine for not less than 4 full school years, including the satisfactory completion of 4 courses of at least 8 months each, in 4 different calendar years, or has graduated from an equivalent accelerated course, in a legally incorporated American school or college of podiatric medicine, requiring personal attendance, in good standing in the opinion of said board, wherein the curriculum of study included instruction in the following branches: Practical podiatric medicine, podiatric orthopedics, dermatology, diagnosis, anatomy, physiology, therapeutics in all its branches, pathology, histology, bacteriology, pharmacy and materia medica, chemistry, surgery and bandaging pertaining to the ailments of the feet or ankles, and (4) He has received a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine, and (5) Thereafter he has served a residency in a duly licensed clinic, hospital, or institution, approved by the board, for 1 full year devoted to the practice of podiatric medicine in all its branches. L.1965,c.141,s.10; amended 1968, c.216, s.2; 1977, c.46; 2005, c.259, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-5.3 Medical malpractice liability insurance, letter of credit required for podiatrist; regulations
2. a. A podiatrist who maintains a professional practice in this State and has responsibility for patient care is required to be covered by malpractice liability insurance, or if such liability coverage is not available, by a letter of credit for at least the minimum amount required by the State Board of Medical Examiners. The podiatrist shall notify the State Board of Medical Examiners of the name and address of the insurance carrier or the institution issuing the letter of credit, pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1989, c.300 (C.45:9-19.7). b. A podiatrist who is in violation of this section is subject to disciplinary action and civil penalties pursuant to sections 8, 9 and 12 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-21 to 22 and 45:1-25). c. The State Board of Medical Examiners shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt regulations which establish the minimum amount of a line of credit that is required pursuant to this section. d. The State Board of Medical Examiners shall notify all podiatrists licensed by the board of the requirements of this section within 30 days of the date of enactment of this act. L.1997,c.365,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-6 Preliminary investigation of applicant; examination fee
Any member of the board may inquire of any applicant for examination concerning his qualifications, and may take testimony of anyone in regard thereto, under oath, which he is hereby empowered to administer. Upon the approval of the application for examination, each applicant shall pay to the secretary of the board a fee of $50.00 at the time of filing said application which shall be accompanied by a photograph of such applicant and shall present himself for examination at the first regular meeting of the board after such application. The fee shall not be refunded, unless from sickness or other good cause appearing to the satisfaction of the board the applicant was prevented from attending such examination. Further or subsequent examinations under such application may be given to applicants, in the discretion of the board, upon payment of an additional fee of $25.00 for every re-examination. Amended by L.1954, c. 261, p. 943, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-7 Examinations; licensing; license; definitions; display of license.
45:5-7. All examinations shall be written in the English language, but the board, in its discretion, may use supplementary oral or practical examinations, either of the whole class or of individuals. The examinations shall be in all subjects taught and practiced in the legally incorporated schools or colleges of podiatric medicine, in good standing in the opinion of the board, which confer the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine or other doctorate degree in podiatric medicine. Said application and examination papers shall be deposited in the files of the said board for at least five years, and they shall be prima facie evidence of all matters therein contained. All licenses shall be signed by the president and secretary of the board and shall be attested by the seal thereof. If the examination is satisfactory, the board shall issue a license entitling the applicant to practice podiatric medicine in this State. "Podiatric medicine" or "practice of podiatric medicine" is defined to be the diagnosis or treatment of or the holding out of a right or ability to diagnose or treat any ailment of the human foot or ankle, including local manifestations of systemic diseases as they appear on the lower leg, foot or ankle but not treatment of systemic diseases of any other part of the body, or the holding out of a right or ability to treat the same by any one or more of the following means: local medical, mechanical, surgical, manipulative and physio-therapeutic, including the application of any of the aforementioned means to the lower leg and ankle for the treatment of a foot or ankle ailment. Such means shall not be construed to include the amputation of the leg or foot. The term "local medical" hereinbefore mentioned shall be construed to mean the prescription or use of a therapeutic agent or remedy where the action or reaction is intended for a localized area or part. A podiatrist is a physician within the scope of this chapter, and may be referred to as a podiatric physician. Every person practicing podiatric medicine under this act shall at all times conspicuously display in his place of practice his license and yearly registration to practice. It shall be unlawful to practice podiatric medicine in this State without so displaying such license and registration. Any applicant for a license to practice podiatric medicine upon proving that he has been examined and licensed by the examining and licensing board of another state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, may in the discretion of the board be granted a license to practice podiatric medicine without further examination upon payment to the board of a license fee of $100.00; provided, such applicant shall furnish proof that he can fulfill the requirements demanded in the other sections of this chapter relating to applicants for admission by examinations; provided further, that the laws of such state, territory or the District of Columbia accord equal reciprocal rights to a licensed podiatrist of this State, who desires to practice his profession in such state, territory or the District of Columbia; provided further, that said applicant has been in lawful and ethical practice of podiatric medicine in the state, territory or District of Columbia from which he applies for five full consecutive years next prior to filing his application; and provided, further, that said applicant shall, within six months after the issuance of his license hereunder, remove to this State, establish his permanent and only legal residence and cease to operate his practice in the state from which he applies and not use such license for part-time practice in this State. An affidavit setting forth his intention to comply with the requirements of this proviso must be filed with the application for license. In any such application for a license without examination, all reciprocal questions of academic requirements of other states, territories or the District of Columbia shall be determined by the board. The board shall consider each application for such license on its individual merits and may, in its discretion and without establishing a precedent, waive the requirements for residency in lieu of 10 or more years of active and continuous ethical practice outside of this State. The board may issue to any licensed podiatrist of this State, known to it to be of good moral character and who has conducted an ethical practice in this State, and who desires to remove his residence and practice to another state, a certificate or certification authenticated with its seal, which shall attest such information as may be necessary for competent boards of other states to determine reciprocity qualifications, upon payment of a fee of $10.00. The board may, in its discretion, accept in lieu of its own examination, either in whole or in part, the certificate of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners; and provided further, that the applicant satisfies in all other respects the requirements for licensure by examination. Such application to the board shall be accompanied by an application fee of $100.00 plus $10.00 for verification. In the event an oral or practical examination or both is given under this provision, an additional fee of $25.00 may be required for examiner compensation. The board, in its discretion, may grant a license without further examination to any person whose previous license has been revoked under R.S.45:5-8 and upon payment to the board of a license fee of $100.00. Amended 1942, c.107, s.1; 1943, c.95, s.1; 1947, c.355, s.5; 1948, c.434, s.2; 1962, c.187, s.2; 1965, c.141, s.3; 1968, c.216, s.1; 1977, c.83; 1993, c.185; 2005, c.259, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-9 Biennial certificate of registration for licensed podiatrist; reinstatement procedure.
45:5-9. a. Every licensed podiatrist shall procure every two years from the executive director of the board, on or before November 1, a biennial certificate of registration, which shall be issued by the executive director upon payment of a fee to be determined by the board. The executive director shall mail to each licensed podiatrist on or before October 1 every two years a printed blank form to be properly filled in and returned to the executive director by such licensed person on or before the succeeding November 1, together with such fee. Upon the receipt of said form properly filled in, and such fee, the biennial certificate of registration shall be issued and transmitted. Every licensed podiatrist who continues the practice of podiatric medicine after having failed to secure a biennial certificate of registration at the time and in the manner required by this section shall be subject to a penalty of $25.00 for each failure. Immediately after November 1, the executive director shall send by registered mail to every podiatrist who has failed to obtain a biennial registration certificate for the ensuing two-year period a notice that their license will be automatically suspended within 30 days unless the penalty and registration fee is paid immediately. Upon failure to register after such notice, the license of such person shall be automatically suspended and shall not be reinstated except upon full payment of penalty and registration fee. However, such suspension shall not apply to anyone who has ceased to practice in this State. Any person whose license shall have been automatically suspended under this section shall during such period of suspension be regarded as an unlicensed person, and if he continues to engage in the practice of podiatric medicine during such period, he shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by R.S.45:5-11. b. If an applicant for reinstatement of licensure has not engaged in practice in any jurisdiction for a period of more than five years, or the board's review of the reinstatement application establishes a basis for concluding that there may be clinical deficiencies in need of remediation, before reinstatement the board may require the applicant to submit to, and successfully pass, an examination or an assessment of skills. If that examination or assessment identifies clinical deficiencies or educational needs, the board may require the licensee, as a condition of reinstatement of licensure, to take and successfully complete any educational training, or to submit to any supervision, monitoring or limitations, as the board determines are necessary to assure that the licensee practices with reasonable skill and safety. Amended 1954, c.261, s.2; 1965, c.141, s.5; 1971, c.236, s.2; 2001, c.307, s.4; 2005, c.259, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-10 Construction of chapter; certain acts not prohibited; fees for permitting out-of-State podiatrist to take charge of resident's practice.
45:5-10. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a duly licensed physician from treating diseases or ailments of the feet or ankles, or a lawfully qualified podiatrist residing in another State from meeting registered podiatrists of this State in consultation, or any legally qualified podiatrist of another State from taking charge of the practice of a legally qualified podiatrist of this State temporarily on written permission of the board during the latter's absence therefrom and upon the latter's written request to the board for permission so to do. Such permission may be granted for a period of not more than 3 months upon payment of a fee of $10.00. The board, in its discretion and upon payment of an additional fee of $10.00, may extend such permission for a further period but not to exceed 6 months. Nothing in this act shall prohibit the fitting, recommending or sale of corrective shoes, arch supports or other mechanical appliances by retail dealers or manufacturers, provided, however, that they shall not be made or fabricated from plaster casts or models or by any other means for specific individual persons except upon the prescription of a podiatrist or physician. Amended 1942, c.107, s.3; 1943, c.95, s.3; 1948, c.434, s.4; 1954, c.261, s.3; 1965, c.141, s.6; 2005, c.259, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-11 Unlawful acts; penalty; display of name; recovery of penalties.
45:5-11. (a) Whoever practices podiatric medicine in this State without first having obtained and filed the license herein provided for, or contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter, or whoever practices podiatric medicine under a false or assumed name, or falsely impersonates another practitioner of a like or different name, or buys, sells, or fraudulently obtains any diploma as a podiatrist, or any podiatric medicine license, record or registration, or aids or assists any person not regularly licensed and registered to practice podiatric medicine in this State, to practice podiatric medicine therein, or whoever violates any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be liable to a penalty of $200.00. Every person practicing podiatric medicine and every person practicing podiatric medicine as an employee of another shall cause his name to be conspicuously displayed and kept in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the place where such practice shall be conducted, and any person who shall neglect to cause his name to be displayed as herein required shall be liable to a penalty of $100.00. Using the title doctor or its abbreviation in the practice of podiatric medicine must be qualified by the word or words "podiatrist" or "surgeon podiatrist." Any person who violates this provision shall be liable to a penalty of $100.00. It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed under this act to use terms, titles, words or letters which would designate or imply that he or she is qualified to treat foot or ankle ailments, or to hold himself or herself out as being able to diagnose, treat, operate, or prescribe for any ailment of the human foot or ankle, or offer or attempt to diagnose, treat, operate or prescribe for any ailment of the human foot or ankle. (b) The Superior Court and municipal courts, within their respective territorial jurisdictions, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine actions for penalties under this chapter. The penalties provided for by this section shall be sued for and recovered by and in the name of the State Board of Medical Examiners of New Jersey, as plaintiff. Penalties imposed because of the violation of any provision of this chapter shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Process shall issue at the suit of the board, as plaintiff, and shall be either in the nature of a summons or warrant. Amended 1942, c.107, s.4; 1943, c.95, s.4; 1948, c.434, s.5; 1953, c.43, s.12; 1965, c.141, s.7; 1991, c.91, s.450; 2005, c.259, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-11.1 Administration of physical modalities to patients by employees of podiatrists
a. A podiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 5 of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes shall not use an employee to administer physical modalities to patients unless that employee is a health care provider licensed in this State. As used in this subsection, physical modalities mean ultraviolet (B and C bands) and electromagnetic rays including, but not limited to, deep heating agents, microwave diathermy, shortwave diathermy, and ultrasound. b. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any person licensed to practice in this State under any other law from engaging in the practice for which he is licensed. L.1990,c.68,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-17 Restraining unlawful practice; inapplicable to spiritual or religious healers.
5. The Superior Court may in an action at the suit of the Attorney General or of the said board prevent and restrain the practice of podiatric medicine in this State by any person who has not first obtained and filed the license herein provided for, or the violation by any person of the provisions of this act; or of the practice of podiatric medicine by any person under a false or assumed name; or the false presentation of another practitioner of a like or different name; or for practicing podiatric medicine under any name, title or heading other than that under which he or she has a license to practice podiatric medicine. This section shall not apply nor shall it in any manner be construed to apply to persons practicing healing by spiritual or religious means if no material medicine is prescribed or used and no manipulation or material means are used. L.1943,c.95,s.5; amended 1953, c.43, s.18; 1965, c.141, s.9; 2005, c.259, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-18 Partial invalidity
If any phrase, clause, section or part of this act shall be determined to be invalid in a court of competent jurisdiction, such part shall be excluded and the rest of the act shall be valid and effectual. L.1943, c. 95, p. 317, s. 6.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-19 Repeal
All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are repealed. Laws 1943, c. 95, p. 317, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 45:5-20 Services considered as medical or surgical under Workers' Compensation Act.
1. The services of a podiatrist which he is authorized by law to perform shall be considered as medical or surgical services under the Workers' Compensation Act, or any standard health and accident, disability, sickness or other insurance policy, or coverage under labor-management trustee plan, union welfare plan, employee organization plan, employee benefit plan, or any private insurance or welfare plan, for which he shall be entitled to compensation under said act, or under any such policy or plan if such policy or plan provides compensation for medical or surgical services and does not exclude services which, under the law, such podiatrist is authorized to perform. L.1966,c.89,s.1; amended 2005, c.259, s.13.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026