Here are the answers to the questions I’ve received since my post yesterday.
1. – I am ABC certified but my facility is not ABC accredited. You statement
says that as an individual I may join the new association, but my facility is
ineligible. Is that correct?
As I noted in earlier post to the list today, I incorrectly stated that
Active Company members must be ABC accredited. The criteria for this
membership category requires that a company primarily engaged in the delivery
of O&P care must demonstrate that it employs an ABC certified practitioner in
order to be eligible for “Active Company” member.
2. What are the ABC professional and facility standards for suppliers? Will
this require all supplies to have ABC certified practitioners on staff?
Article II, 4b states, “Adherence to ABC Standards. All members must agree
to abide by ABC facility and practitioner standards of excellence, ABC Scope
of Practice, and the ABC Canons of Ethical Conduct.” This requirement is
intended to apply “as appropriate.” Thus, a supplier member does not need to
comply with scope of practice since they are not engaged in the delivery of
O&P patient care. Conversely, if a BOC person belongs to the association as
an individual affililiate member, then he/she will need to comply with all
the ABC requirements concerning the standards, canons, and scope of practice.
3. What are the benefits to non-voting membership?
The same as they are today. Access to all member benefits – member discounts,
insurance programs, subscription to the O & P Almanac and the JPO etc. – The
only thing they won’t have is a vote.
4. What is an “active supplier”?
Article II, 3b states, “Active Supplier Member. Any eligible firm principally
engaged in the manufacture or sale of materials, components, tools or
equipment used in fabricating orthoses or prostheses, or in providing
services directly relating to O&P to those providing care to patients or
manufacturing or selling materials shall be eligible for Supplier Membership
in the Association.”
The word active is used because only active members will have a vote. Article
II 4g states, Right to Vote. All Active Members in good standing shall have
the right to vote.
5. In the new consolidated model, will individual practitioners be
required to pay one membership fee to the new Association and another
renewal fee to ABC?
It is anticipated that the individual will have two options.
1. Join the association and pay the association dues which include the ABC
renewal fee.
2. Pay the ABC renewal fee only. This individual will have no vote and will
receive no association benefits. The ABC renewal fee will probably not
include a subscription to the O&P Almanac or the JPO.
Sincerely,
David J. Jendrzejczyk, CP, FAAOP
Chairman
O&P National Office
