Chapter II: Chiropodists.

Chiropodists, on the basis of a diagnosis of chiropody which they have established beforehand, are the only ones qualified to treat directly epidermal disorders, limited to the horny layers and nail disorders of the foot, excluding any surgical intervention. They alone are also authorised to provide hygiene care and to make and apply insoles designed to prevent or relieve skin disorders. With a prescription and under medical supervision, chiropodists can…

Persons who have obtained the evidence of formal qualifications or authorisation required to practise the profession of chiropodist before entering the profession, and persons who have obtained their evidence of formal qualifications less than three years previously, are required to register with the service or body designated for this purpose by the Minister responsible for health. The registration of these persons is carried out after verification of the supporting documents…

A chiropodist may use his evidence of formal qualifications in the language of the State which issued them. He must indicate the place and establishment where it was obtained. Where the evidence of formal qualifications from the State of origin, whether a member or a party, is likely to be confused with evidence of formal qualifications requiring additional training in France, the Conseil national de l’ordre may decide that the…

The organisations issuing the training qualifications will send these qualifications to the service or organisation mentioned in article L. 4322-2 in the form of certified information.

Where it is available, the certified information referred to in Article L. 4322-2-2 serves as supporting documents for the fulfilment of the obligations set out in Article L. 4322-2.

The State diploma of chiropodist is awarded after preparatory studies and tests, the duration and programme of which are set by decree.

The competent authority may, after obtaining the opinion of a committee composed in particular of professionals, individually authorise to practise the profession of chiropodist nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area who, without possessing the diploma provided for in Article L. 4322-3, hold : 1° Evidence of formal qualifications issued by one or more Member…

Persons who have proved that they were regularly practising the profession of chiropodist on 1 May 1946 and who have received authorisation may perform, for life, the acts within the competence of chiropodists holding the diploma instituted by this Title. Mention of their authorisation is made in a special register filed with the prefecture.

The association of chiropodists (Ordre des pédicures-podologues) brings together all chiropodists authorised to practise in France.

The association of chiropodists defends the honour and independence of the profession, ensures that the principles of morality, probity and competence are upheld and that all its members observe their professional rights, duties and obligations, as well as the rules laid down in the code of ethics provided for in article L. 4322-14. It helps to promote public health and the quality of care. It may organise any mutual aid…