IAOP: A Decade of Progress

By Dawn Clark, Director of Operations, IAOP

Since its beginning, the International Association of Orthotics and Prosthetics (IAOP)has striven for unanimity within the O&P community. We have achieved this to a degree. However, one of the greatest obstacles has been the misconception that the IAOP is a "BOC (Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification) organization," or that its meetings are only for BOC certifees. The IAOP is not a "BOC organization," a "BOC trade association," or a "BOC anything."

The IAOP is a professional organization for individual practitioners certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), BOC, and the Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP). Established six years ago as the first professional O&P association to extend membership to all certified or licensed orthotists and prosthetists, the IAOP has developed into a truly diverse organization.

The IAOP's primary mission has always been education. A secondary mission is advocacy. The IAOP has established an advocacy role both on Capitol Hill and within various states. Our members benefit from the IAOP's support as well as its unique ability to speak to the interests of all qualified professionals.

Some of our recent accomplishments have involved insertion of language into legislation passed in both Georgia and Alabama regarding the licensing of professional orthotists and prosthetists. This will enable those states to avoid some of the problems encountered by New Jersey and Florida and will allow growth in education as the profession grows.

The IAOP has been heavily involved in educating the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with regard to the Negotiated Rulemaking process for qualified orthotists and prosthetists. W e have established a running dialogue with CMS officials and mediators and have been able to demonstrate the scope of custom O&P services and the ongoing knowledge needed to ensure current and ongoing patient care. CMS officials have attended our symposia, which offered a definitive look at the continuing education required to provide O&P services, as well as enabling CMS a glimpse of the vast array of products and materials utilized in the O&P profession. A clinical demonstration at an orthotics facility demonstrated the differences between the custom-made services we provide (demonstrated by a certified orthotist) and the products and supports provided by physical and occupational therapists (demonstrated by a licensed physical therapist).

Additionally, the IAOP has developed a Fellowship Society for its members, through which individual case studies can be made available for the benefit of our practitioner members as well as to aid in developing innovative techniques which advance the O&P profession.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the IAOP, and what better place to celebrate than New Orleans, where we held the Annual Education and Scientific Symposium July 20-22! The IAOP presented a well-rounded agenda with clinical sessions and technical workshops, along with an exhibition displaying the newest products and services. to fit the O&P practitioners' growth.

Whether you attend an IAOP Symposium or Practicum as a member or simply for your continued growth, you will definitely experience a sense of what it is that truly makes up the core nature of the O&P profession. Once the political agendas and any other differences are set aside, your greatest benefit is remembering why this profession chose you.

For more information about IAOP programs, membership or any other inquiries, contact our National Office at 804.763.3434 or on the web at www.iaop.org

IAOP: A Decade of Progress

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Certified Prosthetist / Prosthetist-Orthotist (CP/CPO) Gates Prosthetics + Mobility Clinic — Mountain Home, AR

Clinic Manager – Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) – Rogers, AR

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Certified Prosthetist / Prosthetist-Orthotist (CP/CPO) Gates Prosthetics + Mobility Clinic — Mountain Home, AR

Clinic Manager – Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) – Rogers, AR

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