This message was posted to me directly by Mr. Hoxie. I hope this helps explain what ABC is trying to do. It ddi not help me much, But I thought I would let people decide for themselves since this is a democratic country afterall.
Jason Frisch
Dear Mr. Frisch:
Let me say that we respect your views and your concerns. As we said in
our previous communications, the ABC board did not make this decision
lightly. We’ve discussed this matter for a number of years and
carefully considered the arguments, both pro and con. However, if I
may, let me outline the basis for our decision:
First, this profession is too small to support two divergent
certification bodies with differing standards. In talking with payors
and others, they do not understand the differences and are confused
about who is qualified to provide O&P care. This is especially
problematic given that, with the exception of a hand full of states,
there is no regulation except by payor decisions as to who they will
recognize. To further complicate the matter, the federal government has
determined it will recognize both certifications for purposes of
Medicare reimbursement. This will inevitably lead to similar decisions
in the private sector.
Second, we are continually seeing efforts by other allied health
practitioners, who have not undergone any kind of objective O&P
assessment of their competency, to declare that they are as qualified as
ABC and BOC practitioners to provide O&P care. Witness efforts by
physical and occupational therapists to expand their scopes of practice
to include comprehensive O&P care. In the absence of a unified voice
and a strong set of unified standards, this profession will see the
encroachment of such providers that can only lead to a diminishing of
quality O&P care available to patients.
Third, despite differences in our respective qualification standards, at
least ABC and BOC certified practitioners have undertaken and passed
psychometrically validated examinations. We do not intend on certifying
anyone who is not currently certified without the requirement of passing
such examinations. Having said that, the ABC will continue to support
its primary education pathway as the preferable route to undertake.
Yet, we have also administered, for years, a “unique qualifications”
pathway that recognizes experience. We will continue to support both
pathways. Ultimately, the education pathway will be recognized as the
best pathway to follow.
Fourth, as in licensure states, “grandfathering” has been the method by
which all O&P practitioners are brought under a single set of standards
that emphasize competency assessment. The ABC board’s decision follows
this precept. It is our objective to assure that future practitioners,
as in the licensure states, will be required to demonstrate an
educational and experience track record that qualifies them to take
certification exams. If they pass such exams, then they should be
certified and recognized.
Fifth, many ABC and BOC practitioners are working side-by-side to care
for patients. ABC accredited organizations determine which certifees
are able to best care for patients. That will continue. However, it is
certainly true that some certified practitioners may provide care that
they are not qualified to provide. But this holds true for both ABC and
BOC certifies. In the final analysis, you will compete with BOC (now
ABC) practitioners today and tomorrow on the same basis that you
competed yesterday: Your ability to provide quality and cost-effective
O&P care.
Finally your concern that you have wasted your time, resources and
education to become a practitioner is simply not true. No one has ever
been disadvantaged by seeking out the best education available. Your
decision to become a knowledgeable and competent practitioner through
formal education will always set you apart and give you a “leg up” on
your competition. If there are practitioners who become ABC certified
and who need additional educational opportunities, I’m confident that
the profession will make it available to them – either through
continuing education or distance learning programs, such as that
sponsored by Newington.
So, forgive me, but my advice is this. Maintain your ABC credential.
It is the “Mark of Merit.” It will benefit you throughout your career.
It will also continue to grow as the singularly recognized credential
for patient and physician selection of a practitioner who is uniquely
qualified to provide comprehensive O&P care.
Again, thank you for your comments. The ABC board of directors
understands and is sensitive to your concerns.
Lance Hoxie
Executive Director
American Board for Certification
in Orthotics and Prosthetics
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 836-7114
Email: [email protected]
