The Orthotic and Prosthetic Alliance (O&P Alliance) announced that the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC) has accepted its invitation to become a member of the coalition. The invitation, issued after a unanimous vote of the four original members of the O&P Alliance, was extended after a year of BOC participation in the Alliance’s public policy activities.
“As we move forward with full implementation of the ‘historic agreement’ reached by these five organizations in 2009 related to BOC raising its O&P education standards, we are pleased to have BOC as a full member in the coalition,” said Peter W. Thomas, O&P Alliance counsel.
The O&P Alliance’s chief mission is to advocate for state and federal policies that improve the practice of O&P and quality of services provided to patients who require O&P care. Originally comprised of four national O&P organizations-the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy), the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), and the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP)-the O&P Alliance seeks to present a unified voice on public policy and government affairs and to facilitate improved communication within the O&P profession.
Sharon Nichelson, CMOF, chairwoman of the BOC board of directors, said, “Our membership in the O&P Alliance shows our aligned commitment to quality patient care through advocacy, fair and equitable coverage and reimbursement policies, and enhanced O&P education. We believe this is a great step forward for everyone involved.”
BOC’s membership in the O&P Alliance will officially begin on January 1, 2012.
