The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC); the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC); the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP); the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA); the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP); the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE); and the Harassment Advocacy Work Group have issued an open letter to the orthotic and prosthetic field on sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. The letter is as follows:
The undersigned organizations stand united in condemning sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination in all forms. Sexual misconduct includes abuse and assault. These behaviors are illegal and have no place in the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) community.
Please consider this letter our clear message to the entire field that we support a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination based on sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, age, and disability, as well as retaliation for the reporting of such conduct.
Sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination of any kind can be reported to one’s employer or supervisor, law enforcement authorities, state employment discrimination authorities, state O&P licensure boards, and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). ABC, BOC, and NCOPE all have processes in place to address ethical violations by certified individuals, accredited facilities, or residents. Certified/licensed professionals witnessing such behavior also have an obligation to report it to the appropriate credentialing organization.
Those affected by sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination should know that all reports of such conduct will be taken seriously, investigated, and addressed in alignment with the processes of each of the undersigned organizations. All parties will be treated with dignity and respect and afforded due process. There are numerous public and private agencies that serve as confidential resources to offer support and answer questions.
Each of the undersigned organizations has resolved to review and, if necessary, refine its policies on sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. We resolve to enhance education, training, and compliance with such policies, and impose appropriate sanctions and disciplinary action where allegations have been substantiated, within the scope of each organization’s authority.
We encourage every O&P clinic, business, or academic or research program to take similar steps to proactively address these important issues with respect to compliance plans, policy manuals, and where otherwise appropriate.
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC)
Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC)
National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP)
American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP)
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE)
Harassment Advocacy Work Group
