As of June 30, 2005, ABC’s certification policy in which BOC certified orthotists/prosthetists are eligible to apply for ABC certification has expired.
This policy, in effect since March 2004, was initiated to facilitate unification of all O&P professionals under ABC certification. The response from BOC practitioners was overwhelmingly positive, as over 1,600 professionals elected to become ABC certified. These professionals are now held to the same standard as all other ABC certified practitioners, and thus required to adhere to ABC’s continuing education standards and the Canons of Ethics.
Beginning July 1, 2005, all applicants for ABC certification are required to meet educational, residential, and/or experiential requirements and pass the ABC exams.
This unanimous decision by the ABC board of directors was made in support of ongoing discussions with the BOC regarding unification.