Hello List:
I have received multiple responses to my main question about reciprocal
licensing. My personal view is that getting a license to practice in
another state is not as automatic as getting a driver’s license after
relocating. I would strongly advise that prospective employees and
employers researh this issue before selling a house, uprooting a family and
moving cross country. It may not be that easy for any one who was
“grandfathered”.
The best and most official response was from Mr. Richard Neider, CO LO LPA
of Texas:
Gentlemen
I wish to chime in and defend a lack of reciprocity.
The Texas statute allows for Unique Qualifications and as a Board we have
set some parameters on education versus experience to give you”old Guys”
(I have only 30 years in so I am NOT one of you …yet) some idea of what we
are looking for and at. Yes we do use the written portion of the ABC exam
quite often as a final check of knowledge as our mandate is to protect our
clients/patients. That should not frighten you at all.
As to reciprocity, when all states have Licensure and have had it for a
while we’ll talk. All new laws have a grandfathering clause, as you will
not be able to
legislate a “qualified” person out of business. Therefore; you have a
grandfathering clause for folks with a minimum amount of experience allowed
to
obtain a license. We have had a few applications from folks with a license
obtained in this manner and rejected them because they do not have the
desired
experience, “but they do have a license”. That is our conundrum, but as it
stands I do not see reciprocity occurring soon.
If you have been practicing for an extended period feel free to contact us,
as we do look at experience as well as education.
Thanks
Richard Neider CO LO LPA
Texas Board for O & P
The second best response was from Mr. Rick Seivier, BS Ed., BOC Orthotist,
CPed BOC Ped L.Ped CPOA:
http://www.abcop.org/resources/StateswithOandPLicensure/Pages/Default.aspx
This web site gives a list of all states with licensing and contact
information of the regulatory agency.
This information helped me. Thanks to all who responded.
Ed Roman CP LPO(IL)
[email protected]
