Scope of Practice

An ABC certified fitter-therapeutic shoes is a health care professional who is specifically educated and trained to provide non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom multi-density inserts. This includes patient evaluation, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, continuation of the treatment plan and practice management.

The ABC certified fitter-therapeutic shoes is bound by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility which is enforced by a Professional Discipline program. The certified fitter-therapeutic shoes is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. The time limited certification expires without compliance with the Recertification program. The practice of an ABC certified fitter-therapeutic shoes includes, but is not limited to:

1) Evaluation of a patient’s needs for non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom multi-density inserts includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation and documentation of the following:

• physical assessment
• circulation
• skin integrity
• protective sensation and safety
• pain
• therapeutic shoe requirements
• environmental barriers including social, home, and work reintegration

2) Formulation of a treatment plan is based upon an assessment to alleviate limitations and enhance function. The therapeutic shoe fitter’s treatment plan includes, but is not limited to:

• verification of prescription/documentation
• analysis of shoe construction needs and design requirements
• consultation with and/or referral to other health care professionals

3) Implementation of the therapeutic shoe fitter’s treatment plan includes, but is not limited to:

• measuring patient for shoes
• material selection
• shoe fit evaluation
• minor adjustments to accommodate individual anatomic contours
• documentation of patient education and instruction
• documentation of patient encounters

4) Utilization of a follow-up treatment plan that ensures successful outcomes, patient health and quality of life which includes, but is not limited to:

• documentation of functional changes
• minor adjustments to the fit of the shoe to ensure successful outcomes
• documentation of on-going patient education and instruction

5) Compliance with practice management plans to develop and document policies and procedures to ensure patient protection which includes, but is not limited to:

• adherence to applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
• following patient care guidelines and procedures
• maintaining a safe and professional environment for patient care
• understanding claims development and submission

6) Promotion of competency and enhancement of professional practice to contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge includes, but is not limited to, participation in:

• continuing education
• promotion of public awareness of the profession
• consumer organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations