Alabama Achieves O&P Licensure

O&P is now licensed in Alabama! Governor Don Siegleman on April 26 signed the Prosthetics and Orthotics Act (Act 02-527) establishing the Alabama State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists. The Board will develop rules and regulations to interpret the legislative requirements for licensure or registration of all individuals providing custom prosthetic and orthotic services to Alabama consumers.

The bill's sponsors, Senator Harri-Anne Smith and Representative J.E. Turner worked closely with the Government Relations committee of the Alabama Prosthetic and Orthotic Association (APOA). Led by Chairman Glenn Crumpton, CPO, CPed, the committee members are Preston K. Watts, Jr., CPO, and Joseph C. Elliott, CP. Marvin Fourroux, CPO, and Stephen A. Blackwell, CPO, along with other members of the APOA, worked many hours to educate the members of the legislature about the need for such licensure.

Elliott, who is APOA's secretary/treasurer, gave special thanks to Rick Partain, BOC orthotist/prosthetist, and Tommy Bain, BOC-COF, who worked alongside APOA "to accomplish this great step forward for our professionals in this state."

Additionally, Ken Wells, BOC, made several trips to Alabama from Tallahassee, Florida, to assist in developing the wording of several sections of the bill, Elliott said. "Ken is involved with IAOP [International Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists], and his help was extraordinary and much appreciated," Elliott added.

"I know that am undoubtedly leaving out even more people who worked with us for the past several years, and to each of them I apologize, but they should all know their assistance was much appreciated," he added.

Act 02-527 includes individuals certified by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics (ABC) and by the Board for Orthotic/Prosthetic Certification (BOC). Licensure will be accorded to all certifees meeting the regulations based on the requirements set forth in Act 02-527.

Board members who are clinicians will be appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, president pro-tem of the Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives from a list of nominees to be submitted by the APOA. Other members of the board will be appointed upon nomination by their professional organizations or upon direct application to the appointing officer.

In summary, the APOA notes that the legislation:

Provides consumers of prosthetic and orthotic services in Alabama a means to be sure they are dealing with qualified individuals; Clearly defines "prosthesis," "orthosis," "prosthetics," "orthotics," "prosthetist," and "orthotist;" Defines other allied health providers according to their current delineation in the Alabama Code; Has no residency requirement; Provides a grandfather period for current providers of custom prosthetic and orthotic services; who apply within a one-year time period that starts when the Board approves and publishes the application form for registration and licensure; Provides for the Board to establish test procedure and format for licensure after the grandfather period expires; Provides for the Board to establish licensed assistant criteria and licensure; Requires continuing education to maintain license; Provides for registration of those individuals who represent manufacturers and sell directly to patients to place their activities under regulation by the Board; and Provides for enforcement against non-licensed practitioners and those who violate the Code of Ethics as published by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics (ABC) "We know that the real work is just beginning, and we look forward to dialogues with our fellow professionals from other licensed states as we try to avoid some of the pitfalls and difficulties they have already faced," Elliott said. He asks that colleagues from other states please send up-to-date copies of their state's rules, regulations, and application forms.

For further information, contact Joseph C. Elliott, CP, 205.323.2574; e-mail: limbmkr@yahoo.com

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