In my response to Mr. Renard’s questions I incorrectly stated that companies
eligible for “Active Company” membership had to be ABC accredited. The
accurate response is that a company shall be eligible for “Active Company”
membership if they employ an ABC-certified practitioner in good standing.
The following represents the original response, followed by a quote from the
draft bylaws which correctly sets forth eligibility requirements for Active
Company members.
Original question and response (the portion underlined is incorrect):
1) Since the draft by-laws of the new organization will not require ABC
credentialed members, will membership be open to BOC members as well as DME
dealers/suppliers, manufacturers, and other non-patient care business
interests?
The Bylaws require ABC certification for persons eligible for “Active
Individual” Membership. They also require ABC accreditation for companies
eligible for “Active Company” Membership** . A number of other membership
categories are provided for in which other credentialed credentialed
individuals and companies may also belong to the Association. Thus, it is
possible that a BOC practitioner can belong, however, such persons will not
be entitled to a vote in the affairs of the Association. In addition,
suppliers may belong through the “Active Supplier” Membership category. As
now, in their membership in the American Orthotic and Prosthetic
Association (AOPA), Active Supplier members will be entitled to a vote.
Other types of organizations may join affiliate member categories only so
long as they meet that category’s membership requirements.
Regardless of membership category to which they belong, all members will be
required to abide by ABC professional and facility standards, the ABC
Canons of Ethical Conduct and the ABC Scope of Practice guidelines.
**Article II, 3b
Active Company Member. Any eligible firm principally engaged in providing
orthotic and/or prosthetic care to patients shall be eligible as a Company
Member if such eligible firm employs a practitioner certified by and in
good standing with the ABC.
Thank you,
David J. Jendrzejczyk, CP, FAAOP
Chairman
O&P National Office
