New York State Goes After O&P Licensure

The New York State Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (NYSAAOP) has undertaken the task of pursuing licensure for all orthotics and prosthetics providers in New York State.

"Licensure legally defines a profession based upon educational standards, protects the public through high levels of accountability, and defines the scope of practice for the orthotics and prosthetics professional," the Academy has said, adding, "There is O&P licensure in only ten states while most other allied health professionals are licensed in the majority of the 50 states." Indeed, licensure has been an often discussed topic throughout the O&P profession in recent years

Glen Case, CPO, NYSAAOP president-elect, and Martin Mandelbaum, CPO, NYSAAOP treasurer, are spearheading the effort and the state association has retained the lobbying firm of McCulley & Associates Inc. and James McCulley to represent its efforts.

"What we are doing currently is reviewing the statutes of the other ten states with a goal of introducing a bill early next year," said Case.

The chapter has been holding manufacturer seminars to enable practitioners to receive CEUs and at the same time support and keep abreast of licensing efforts. The next event is scheduled for June 16 at the Desmond Hotel, in Albany, New York, and will be presented by College Park and Ultraflex. For information, contact Joann Marx at Marx4nysaaop@aol.com .

"We are getting information out to the practitioners of New York State and appealing for financial support and personal involvement with the process," explained Case. "We have been holding meetings, with four scheduled through the year, that are sponsored by various manufacturers who donate some of the proceeds of these educational meetings to the licensing effort."

NYSAAOP has provided funding for the project but cannot finance the entire endeavor without additional support. The projected associated fees this year will be in excess of $40,000 therefore donations of all sizes are needed and necessary for New York licensure to become a reality, according to the chapter. NYSAAOP estimates that if each provider/practitioner donated $100 this year, it would cover expenses. All excess funding will be placed towards expenses accrued in the following year.

In addition, the chapter needs volunteers who can travel to Albany to rally as needed to advance the bill. Volunteers also are needed who can be part of a constructed communication link to all orthotic and prosthetic providers within the state. At times they will need to call, fax, or send letters to various government officials.

Case noted that New York State has attempted to achieve licensure before and that one of the concerns of practitioners in the state is that they have invested time and money in the past and they are discouraged. "But we need to be motivated to get it done this time," said Case. "Other states have done it in a year, and we are hoping for the same goal. This time we are going to do it. We have to do it."

The chapter reminds practitioners that anyone practicing prosthetics and/or orthotics in the State of New York is a member of NYSAAOP. A voting member is a member of, and in good standing with, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists in addition to being a member of the New York State Chapter of AAOP.

For more information, visit www.nysaaop.org or e-mail Glen Case at gcasecpo@clinicalpando.com

New York State Goes After O&P Licensure

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