ABC Model Administrative Rules

Supervision of individuals providing patient care is categorized into two types: Indirect and Direct. These terms are defined in this section. Licensed assistants, technicians, residents and students require some form of supervision, as described in this section.

(a) Indirect Supervision - Some aspects of patient care may be provided independent of a licensee. The licensed supervisor must review and countersign all entries in the patient's clinical record within 15 working days following the delivery of care. The supervisor must be available for consultation throughout the patient care process.

(b) Direct Supervision - Patient care is provided in conjunction with the designated clinical supervisor (licensed orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthist). The licensed supervisor must review the results of care rendered by the supervised individual before dismissal of the patient. The supervisor is physically on site and is available for consultation throughout the patient care process. The supervisor is responsible for countersigning all entries by the caregiver in the patient's clinical record withint 15 working days following the delivery of care.

(1) Licensed assistants may participate in all levels of care.  Supervision is based on training and experience of the assistant and the classification of the device.  The initial evaluation for custom fabricated devices and custom-fitted devices must be provided under Direct Supervision.  

(2) Licensed technicians shall only provide care involving technical implementation skills and not clinical assessment or patient management skills. Care shall be under direct or indirect supervision depending on the complexity of the care.

(3) Residents shall provide all levels of care under supervision.  Supervision should progress from Direct Supervision to Indirect Supervision as the resident demonstrates competency and progresses through the residency program. 

(4) Students shall provide all levels of care under Direct Supervision.