I often get requests to trim fingernails, which I always decline. In my last encounter a nurse took my clippers and trimmed the hangnail. Is it possible for me to be certified as a manicurist to avoid this type of encounter? I would obviously tell the patient that I am trimming the hang nail as a licensed manicurist not a licensed Podiatrist.
I guess this type of question would apply to providers that have multiple limited licenses in different fields/areas
Thank you in advance for any insights you have on this
Thank you so much for for clarifying this issue. I was told often that I was not allowed to trim fingernails as a podiatrist especially in the state of Maryland, but if I could trim an elderly patient fingernails without getting in trouble with state board it would be really helpful to these patients.
my intent was not to become a manicurist, but to be legally protected if I decide to help a patient out with trimming their fingernails if they asked me to, I didn't want to use it any type of commercial activity.
As always thank you for all you guys do!
Rahul
I am going to approach this differently than Dr. Kesselman. I agree with his response, but you asked " Is it possible for me to be certified as a manicurist?"
ANSWER:
Scope of practice (podiatry vs. cosmetology):
As a podiatrist, you are already licensed to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures, including procedures that go far beyond what cosmetologists are allowed to do.
A cosmetology or nail technician license is generally limited to cosmetic care — trimming, filing, applying polish, artificial nails, and certain superficial treatments. They are not permitted to treat medical conditions or perform anything that crosses into podiatric/medical care.
Dual licensure:
Some states allow dual licensure (e.g., a podiatrist could also hold a cosmetology or massage license). The podiatrist would still need to complete the required cosmetology school hours, pass exams, and comply with board regulations like any other applicant.
However, most podiatric physicians don’t pursue it, since their medical license already encompasses more authority than a cosmetology license.
“Other areas of the body”:
A podiatry license is restricted to the lower extremity (foot/ankle).
A cosmetology license could legally allow you to provide cosmetic services on the hands, skin, or other areas that podiatry doesn’t cover — but only in the cosmetic sense, not medical.
Practical/legal considerations:
State medical boards may view it as unnecessary or redundant for a podiatrist to practice under a cosmetology license. So, I would check with your State Board before going down this path. Liability and malpractice coverage would differ depending on whether you are acting as a podiatric physician or as a cosmetologist at the time of service. You may need a designated area that is considered cosmetology vs podiatry as well, but again check with the state board of podiatry for any potential restrictions or conflicts.
Initially I didn't even want to publish and answer this question. But I though why not leave it all out there in the open?
On the one hand we have podiatrists demanding they be treated as physicians and equal to MD and DO. Those professional degrees are what we should be achieving equivalency.
The DO did by proving they were separate but equivalent and DPM must do the same.
On this end of the spectrum we have a DPM who think we ought to be certified as a licensed manicurist. Sounds similar to those crying that our professional degree automatically qualifies us as pedorthists, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners All these are admirable positions but as physicians we should not be looking to achieve equal scope of practices with them.
As a DPM you have gone through four years of undergraduate university training, then four years of undergraduate medical training and then for most DPMs two or three years of graduate medical training and for a few select fellowship training.
How many MD or DO are asking to be certified as manicurists?
Does your state require licensure to be a manicurist?
The requirements on how to even qualify vary by state, with Oklahoma and Texas requiring 600 hours of training and some require a practical exam. Connecticut has no requirements.
Does your state even require licensure to cut fingernails? Its doubtful your elderly patient needs a professional manicure. They likely just need their fingernails trimmed in order to protect themselves and their caregivers.
If trimming fingernails required licensure, every spouse and parent would be guilty of practicing being a manicurist without a license.
As for your nurse picking up the instruments and providing your patient with a manicure, that goes way too far. That tells the patient and their family that you have given your staff carte blanche to provide care you don't provide.
As for what you should and should not do, I would suggest you do this:
1) Search your conscious. Its likely an elderly patient and/or their family who are desperate for help
2) Ask your professional liability carrier for advice.
Once you have done this you will know what you can and cannot do.
But certainly whatever you cannot do, I would also not allow my staff to do.
Let your staff know that if they do perform manicures without your approval it will be grounds for dismissal and put that in writing in the employee handbook.