The Pennsylvania Orthotic and Prosthetic Society (POPS) announced that on July 5 Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law House Bill 48 (HB 48), which licenses orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, and orthotic fitters in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is the 15th state to pass laws regulating and licensing O&P professionals. The act takes effect immediately.
In order to be eligible for licensure, applicants must, among other things:
- Meet the requirements for minimum education, training, and/or work experience.
- Fulfill educational and training requirements for OP&P certification, pass the certification exams and receive certification by a credentialing organization recognized by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), accredited by National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA), and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.
HB 48 also sets forth regulations regarding record keeping requirements of patients and their prescriptions, provider liability insurance requirements, and continuing education.
“The passage of this bill helps to ensure quality orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic care for citizens of the Commonwealth [of Pennsylvania],” said Eileen Levis, POPS president. “It validates the healthcare professionals providing that care and provides for a higher level of accountability.”
