ABC State Licensure Handbook

Whether you have a law in place that you are unhappy with or you are completely unregulated, you now have the tools and information you need to get started. Realize that the process may take many years or could happen very quickly. The key is to remain flexible in the very fluid world of politics.

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc.                                                        330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 210                                                                                                                                    Alexandria, VA 22314                                                                                                                                                          703-836-7114 | ABCop.org

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Physically Challenged Patients Need Protection

Licensure of the Orthotic, Prosthetic, & Pedorthic Profession

The practice of orthotics and prosthetics is an allied health profession recognized by the American Medical Association with educational standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Those standards are a Master’s degree with specialized upper division orthotic and prosthetic curricula, post-graduate clinical residency and mandatory continuing education. The practice of pedorthics is an allied health profession recognized by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons with educational standards established by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education.

The increasing population of elderly and physically challenged individuals who need orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services requires that the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions be regulated to ensure the provision of high quality services and devices. There have been significant documented cases of fraud and abuse within the Medicare/Medicaid system, increasing overall costs.

Citizens of (state) deserve the best care available, and will benefit from the assurance of initial and ongoing professional competence of the orthotists, prosthetists and pedorthists practicing in this State. Increased pressure to reduce healthcare reimbursement could result in care based on cost savings and profits - not improving the quality of life.

The present unregulated system for providing orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic care does not adequately meet the needs or protect the interests of the public. There is a lack of uniformity amongst state agencies and, for the consumer there is no recourse for disciplinary action in the case of incompetent or negligent care.

In keeping with state requirements imposed on similar health disciplines, licensure of the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic profession will help ensure the health and safety of (state) consumers, as well as maximize their functional abilities and productivity levels.

In order to promote the welfare of the physically challenged and advance the highest levels of competency and ethics in the practice of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics it is necessary for (state) to regulate and license the practice of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics.

Orthotics — the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting or repairing an orthosis (custom fabricated or fitted brace) for the correction or alleviation of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction, disease, injury or deformity.

Prosthetics — the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting or repairing a prosthesis (custom artificial limb) for individuals with an amputation or limb deficiency.

Pedorthics — the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting or repairing a pedorthic device for the prevention or amelioration of painful and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle.