Practitioner Certification

Traditional Pathway

Effective October 1997
This edition supersedes all previous editions.

Overview
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc.

Established in 1948 as a not-for-profit organization, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., commonly known as ABC, is a credentialing body established by the orthotic and prosthetic profession to identify those practitioners who satisfy minimum qualifications to render essential public health services in these disciplines. ABC conducts examinations to test the competency of those persons engaged in the practice of orthotics/prosthetics who voluntarily apply for the examination process.

Practitioner certification in orthotics/prosthetics is awarded as an attestation of competency for the public, those who require orthotic/prosthetic services, and those in other health professions. The awarding of practitioner certification provides the certified practitioner with an appropriate and meaningful recognition of professional competence.

Practitioners whose education and experience meet existing ABC requirements may sit for the ABC examinations which are designed to evaluate knowledge of current orthotic/ prosthetic technology as well as ability to evaluate, measure, fabricate, align and fit patients with a variety of orthoses or prostheses. Those who successfully complete the examination process are awarded certificates in the appropriate discipline(s) (orthotics, prosthetics or both). The awarding of these certificates recognizes that the individual had demonstrated a minimum level of competence.

ABC is approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), an organization that establishes standards on examination validity, reliability and safeguards to the public for credentialing programs. ABC certification is recognized by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA); and various state agencies and third-party payers for insurance reimbursements. Thus, ABC certification is considered the standard among orthotic and prosthetic professionals.

ABC certification also is highly regarded by orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, amputee support groups and other members of the rehabilitation community. ABC certification is nationally and internationally recognized.

Orthotic and Prosthetic Practitioners

Orthotist
An allied health professional who is specifically trained and educated to provide or manage the provision of a custom-designed, fabricated, modified and fitted external orthosis to an othotic patient, based on a clinical assessment and a physician's prescription, to restore physiological function and/or cosmesis.

Prosthetist
An allied health professional who is specifically trained and educated to provide or manage the provision of a custom-designed, fabricated, modified and fitted external limb prothesis to a prosthetic patient, based on a clinical assessment and a physician's prescription, to restore physiological function and/or cosmesis.

Professional Credentials
Practitioners who successfully complete the education, experience and examination requirements prescribed by ABC are conferred the credentials of Certified Orthotist (CO) or Certified Prosthetist (CP). The credential of Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) is conferred to practitioners whose responsibilities conform to those of both orthotist and prosthetist and who successfully fulfill all of the requirements in both disciplines.

Governance and Administration of ABC
The affairs of ABC are governed by the board of directors. Therefore, the board is responsible for the policies and procedures governing certification, and the board has the authority under its bylaws to modify the rules, regulations and policies as it deems appropriate. The board is comprised of nine certified practitioners and two public representatives.

The daily administrative functions of ABC are maintained by a staff that consists of an executive director and various support personnel. ABC is located at 1650 King St., Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-2747. This location is also the headquarters for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the trade association for the profession; the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (Academy), the professional society for ABC-certified orthotists and prosthetists; and the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the accrediting body for orthotic and prosthetic educational programs. These separate organizations use common administrative services such as accounting, management and information systems, publishing and marketing, personnel and general office management as provided by the O&P National Office.

Proprietary Ownership of ABC Credentials
Certification is a privilege, not a right. The ABC board of directors maintains legal authority to award its certification credentials and may withhold, suspend or revoke any certification credential in accordance with the established policies, rules and regulations.

Timeline for Certification Process

Note: Dates are approximate.

Educational and experimental requirements for certification
Orthotic and prosthetic practitioners may qualify to be examined upon completion of specific education and experience requirements established by ABC. The education and experience requirements are summarized in Table 1.

Education of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Education must be from a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States or its territories unless otherwise specified. In addition, all specialized education in orthotics and/or prosthetics must have been acquired from a program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and/or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Clinical Experience
The two methods of obtaining your clinical experience are as follows:

1. Graduates of a CAAHEP accredited orthotics or prosthetics baccalaureate or certificate program

Graduates of a CAAHEP accredited program must obtain their clinical experience by completing an NCOPE accredited residency program. This is a 12-month program in which a resident is tracked through the program with quarterly evaluation forms submitted to NCOPE. Residents must successfully complete the residency program to meet the certification eligibility requirements. NCOPE will provide ABC with the names of the residents that have completed their residency program.

2. Graduates of an NCOPE accredited orthotics or prosthetics baccalaureate or certificate program:

Graduates of an NCOPE accredited program must obtain their clinical experience by completing a minimum of 1,900 hours of clinical experience under the direct supervision of an ABC-certified practitioner subsequent to graduation from the degree or certificate program. This experience should include exposure to all practice areas as defined in the performance domains.

A maximum of 45 hours worked in any seven-day period may be applied toward meeting the 1,900 hour requirement. The 1,900 hours may be accumulated over a period not to exceed 24 months. The 1,900-hour period must have been obtained within 10 years prior to the date of the application.

All accredited orthotic and prosthetic educational programs are currently in the transition process to achieve accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Record of Experience
Applicants are required to complete a Record of Experience Form which serves to document the applicant's patient care experience during his/her one-year clinical experience period. The information provided on this form will assist ABC in evaluating the applicant's level of experience and skills in orthotics and/or prosthetics.

Verification of Experience
While completion of the NCOPE residency will be verified to ABC by NCOPE staff, those required to complete the 1,900 clinical experience must document their experience through an attestation, an official form to be completed by the direct supervisor. The purpose of the attestation is to verify the applicant's knowledge, skills and performance competencies. The supervisor must be certified in the same discipline in which the applicant is seeking certification.

Foreign Education/Certification
Individuals who have received their baccalaureate and/or orthotic and prosthetic education in a foreign country must have their education evaluated by the World Education Services (WES), P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, NY 10013-6311. WES is a professional education evaluation service that equates foreign education to programs in the United States.

Appropriate professional certifications or licenses received outside the United States and its territories will be considered. Evidence of such credentials should be accompanied by information describing the requirements.

Unique Combination of Qualifications
Individuals whose education and experience do not conform to any of the established criteria may be eligible to apply under the unique qualifications eligibility pathway. Please call customer service and request the Unique Qualifications Book of Rules and Application.

Extension of Credential (CPO)
Certified practitioners seeking to extend their credential to "CPO" (seeking certification in the second discipline) must meet the education experience requirements in effect at the time of their application. To extend credential, the applicant must possess either a B.S. in orthotics and prosthetics or a certificate from an NCOPE or CAAHEP accredited program in the secondary discipline; have acquired, subsequent to the degree or certificate in orthotics/prosthetics, a minimum of one year experience in the secondary discipline; and be in good standing in the primary certification.

Extension of credential applicants may also qualify for the Unique Qualifications eligibility pathway. Please call customer service and request the Unique Qualifications Book of Rules and Application.

Table 1: Education and Experience Requirements

The Application Process
All requirements must be satisfied prior to the application deadline. Individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements may submit an application for approval as a candidate for certification. Such applications will be considered for the next available examination session. The process for applying is two-fold:

1. submit the application; and
   
   
2. register for the examination(s). Registration for at least one of the three (3) examinations must be submitted with the application for candidate status.

Applicants for practitioner certification who have been evaluated and deemed to have satisfied all eligibility requirements are assigned a "candidate" status. The candidate is granted a four (4) year eligibility period in which to take and pass three (3) examinations. The examinations are the written, the written simulation and the clinical patient management (CPM).

General Application Information

1. Requesting Application Forms: Individuals seeking certification must obtain an application and examination registration form from ABC.

2. Submission of Application: Applications must be complete in all respects to be processed and approved. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all required documents and/or fees are submitted. Such processing delays may cause the applicant to be excluded from a desired examination date and/or location.

3. Fees and Documentation Required (carefully read the application form for instructions and requirements):

1. the non-refundable application fee
2. a completed application form
3. supervisor(s) attestation
4. official degree transcript
5. transcript or copy of certificate of completion of orthotics or prosthetics certificate program
6. examination registration form

Sealed, official attestations of employment, signed by certified practitioners, may be mailed directly to ABC by the attestor or sealed in envelopes and given to the applicant to submit with his/her application.Sealed, official transcripts may be mailed directly to ABC from the school or may be given to the applicant to submit with his/her application.

4. Deadline for Receipt of Applications:

Examination Session	Spring/Summer	Fall Winter
Application Deadline	March 1	September 1

5. Availability of Applications and Registration Forms:

   Applications for the Spring/ Summer or Fall/Winter examination sessions are available upon request and will include tentative examination dates. Confirmation of the examination locations and dates are largely contingent upon the number of examination registrants; therefore, confirmation notices of the locations and dates will be mailed to all registered candidates subsequent to eligibility approval.

6. Acceptance of Applications and Examination Registrations:

Applications and examination registrations will be accepted only for the forthcoming scheduled examination session. Tentative exam dates will be published in advance. The candidate will be scheduled for that examination, space permitting. Although every effort is made to accommodate all eligible candidates, ABC reserves the right to limit the number of registrants should space be restricted. Applications/registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.

7. Verification of Receipt of Materials:

ABC does not verify receipt of applications by telephone. Applicants are strongly encouraged to mail their applications via express or certified mail with return receipt requested.

8. Notification of Application Decision:

Applicants will be notified in writing of their eligibility decision within six to eight weeks of the receipt of the completed application. Information regarding the status of an application will not be provided by telephone. Applicants are encouraged to await the eligibility letter for notification of eligibility.

9. Applicant Ineligibility: An applicant may be determined ineligible for the following reasons:

• insufficient documentation to assess eligibility; or
  
  
• documentation provided does not meet eligibility requirements; or
  
  
• lack of required fee(s).

If it is determined that the information provided is inadequate to assess eligibility, the applicant will be notified and given a deadline to respond with necessary documentation. If documents are not received by the given deadline, the application will be denied. The application may be reconsidered during a later examination cycle. Information regarding the next examination cycle must be requested by the applicant. One subsequent application will be processed under the original fee. If the applicant is denied eligibility a second time, a new application and fee will be required.

10. Eligibility Period: The approved candidate will be granted a four (4) year eligibility in which to take the three (3) examinations. The candidate will be granted no more than four (4) attempts to pass each examination.

11. Re-Examination

Any candidate who is unsuccessful in one of the three exams may retake that particular examination provided the candidate is within his/her eligibility period and has not exhausted the allotted four (4) attempts at any examination. All other scores will stand throughout the eligibility period.

To register for the next available examination, the candidate must request and submit the current registration form and fees.

12. Reapplying for Eligibility:  Once the candidate has exhausted his or her eligibility period, he or she can reapply for eligibility by submitting a new application, subject to the prevailing Book of Rules, complete with supporting documentation and application fee.   (The previous file will be referenced only for the official school degree transcripts should the applicant reapply within a period of seven (7) years following the expiration of his/her original eligibility.)  The same policy regarding the transcripts applies to those submitting an application to extend credential.

13. Address Change: The address provided on the application will be used for mailing the letter of eligibility, examination confirmations and results.  Approved candidates are responsible for informing ABC immediately in writing of any address changes.

14. Authority:  ABC reserves the right to ask applicants to furnish such information and/or make such inquiries as may be deemed appropriate to identify the nature and extent of the applicant's education, experience, competency, moral character and reputation.
    
15. Falsification:  Discovery that an applicant or attestor has falsified any information on the application shall lead to any or all of the following actions:

• rejection of the application
  
  
• barring the applicant from examination
  
  
• revocation of any existing ABC certification status of the applicant or attestor
  
  
• reference of the incident to the Professional Discipline Committee

16. Cancellation/Refund Policies:  Any candidate who is unable to take an examination for which he/she has registered must notify ABC in writing.   Cancellations are effective the date received by ABC.  Refunds of examination fees are based on the following:

• Receipt of notification at least 30 days prior to exam entitles the candidate to a 100% refund.
  
• Receipt of notification 15-29 days prior to the exam entitles the candidate to a 60% refund
  
• Receipt of notification 1-14 day(s) prior to the exam entitles the candidate to a 30% refund.

Any registered candidate who does not appear at the examination and has not so notified ABC in writing prior to the exam will forfeit the entire examination fee for that exam. The eligibility period will not be extended. Extenuating circumstances may be considered by the board of directors or the Applications Review Committee. Such requests must be made in writing, addressed to the committee and include the reason(s) for the request and any supporting documentation.

Examination registrations also may be deferred until the next examination session; however, exam fees will be deferred at the amount specified above in the cancellation/refund schedule. To register for the next available examination, the candidate must request and submit the current registration form and fees.

17.  Application Appeals

Applicants whose applications have been disapproved by the Applications Review Committee on the basis that the applicant has failed to demonstrate the minimal eligibility requirements may appeal their disapproval. Applicants must submit appeals in writing to the ABC board of directors. Appeals must:

• be in writing, signed by the applicant and sent by certified mail;
  
• be addressed to the ABC at its National Office;
  
• state the specific reason(s) for appeal;
  
• be accompanied by evidence or other pertinent information refuting original finding;
  
• be postmarked no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the date on the notification letter.

Appeals Decision
Applicants submitting an appeal to the board of directors will receive notification of the decision within 45 days of receipt of the request. The board of directors' decision is final.

Examination Policies and Information

1. Statement of Non-Discrimination: ABC does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability or marital status.

2. Confirmation of Examination Dates/Location(s)
   

   The Written and Written Simulation examination: All registered candidates will receive written confirmation and logistical information from the testing agency for the Written and/or Written simulation examinations approximately 15 days prior to the scheduled examination.
   
   
   The Clinical Patient Management (CPM): All registered candidates will receive written confirmation and logistical information for the examination dates approximately 45 days prior to the scheduled examinations.

3. Special Accommodations: Any candidate with a disabling condition that prevents him/her from testing under standard conditions may request special accommodations. The request must be in writing and include documentation of the history and diagnosis of the impairment by a qualified healthcare professional. The request must also specify what accommodations are needed. The request must be received at the time of registration. An acknowledgment or confirmation of the request will be mailed to the candidate.

4. Language: The examinations are offered in English only.

5. Misconduct at the Examinations: It is improper for examination candidates to engage in any of the following activities:

• to fail to observe any rules of conduct as outlined by the test proctor or site coordinator(s);
  
• to copy in writing or otherwise record or transmit to others any examination questions and/or answers or other aspects of the nature or content of the examination;
  
• to bring any unauthorized answering agent of any nature (i.e., books, notes) to the examination site or school grounds;
  
• to offer or assist, or to solicit assistance from other candidates, patients, examiners or those responsible for the administration of the examination;
  
• to engage in any other conduct or inappropriate behavior which is injurious to the integrity of the examination or to any of its participants.

6. Dismissal Policies: Any candidate who is observed engaging in any of the above listed activities will be subject to dismissal from the examination, may be barred from future examinations for a period ranging from one year to permanent dismissal, and may be required to forfeit his/her current examination fee(s) and/or period of eligibility.

Prior to a determination regarding future permission to take the examination, the candidate is entitled to receive a hearing, provided a request for such is received in writing by ABC within 30 days of dismissal. The hearing request must cite reasons refuting the decision for dismissal.

The hearing will be held at a time and place to be determined by the board of directors and shall be conducted by three individuals selected by the board of directors. Following such a hearing, the board of directors will make a determination regarding future dismissal.

7. Notification of Examination Results: Results of the written and written simulation examinations will be sent to candidates approximately 6 weeks following the administration of the exam. Results of the Clinical Patient Management (CPM) examination will be sent approximately 10 weeks after administration of the exam.

8. Privileged Information: The nature, format, content and results of examinations administered by ABC are considered privileged information.

9. Release of Information: ABC is committed to protecting the confidentiality of candidates' records and has adopted policies to ensure their privacy. Information about candidates and their examination results is not released to any third party. Additionally, candidate's test scores are NOT released by telephone.

10. Data Compilation: ABC may develop and publish statistical data regarding the exams providing the identities of the candidates are not divulged.

The Examination Process

General Description of the Examinations
Candidates are expected to successfully pass three (3) examinations that are designed to evaluate knowledge and clinical competencies in orthotics and prosthetics practice. After eligibility has been determined, the candidate will be given a "Candidate Guide," which includes an expanded summary of the tasks and knowledge required to practice O&P, and which are tested on the certification examinations, the role and responsibilities of the candidate, the policies and procedures regarding the examination process as well as sample test questions for the written and written simulation examinations. The three examinations are independent of one another and may be taken in any sequence.

The Written Examination
A three (3) hour, multiple-choice exam consisting of 150 items designed to measure the candidate's knowledge of orthotics and prosthetics. This examination is generally offered in the spring and fall at various locations around the country.

The Written Simulation Examination
A three (3) hour exam designed to test the candidate's analytic and decision-making skills through six (6) simulated case scenarios. This examination is generally offered in the spring and fall at various locations around the country.

The Clinical Patient Management (CPM) Examination
Designed to test the candidate's clinical and patient care skills and takes about three days to complete. This examination is generally offered in the summer and the winter at one location.

Examination Content
In 1991, ABC conducted a "Role Delineation Study" that identified five performance domains for both orthotists and prosthetists. Within each performance domain, several identified tasks provide the basis for questions in the examinations. These domains are:

Domain I: Clinical Assessment

• patient history
  
  
• patient evaluation
  
  
• manual patient examination
  
  
• determine patient needs
  
  
• determine patient expectations
  
  
• inform patient (and others) about treatment plan
  
  
• analyze data to prepare a recommendation
  
  
• develop treatment protocol
  
  
• obtain and record accurate measurements

Domain II: Patient Management

• measure patients with proper instruments and tests
  
  
• manipulate patient's body or body segments to provide correction, position or deformation
  
  
• replicate patient's body or body segments for accurate anatomical impression
  
  
• demonstrate proper fitting- prosthetic/orthotic design
  
  
• evaluate patient's gait to achieve maximum function
  
  
• achieve optimum alignment
  
  
• provide a safe environment for practitioner and patient
  
  
• determine appropriate solution to patient's orthotic/prosthetic problem
  
  
• inform patient of procedures and responsibilities

Domain III: Technical Implementation

• interpret data from measurement forms
  
  
• modify patient model for proper fit
  
  
• select appropriate materials and components
  
  
• fabricate prescribed device
  
  
• evaluate device to identify deviations from prescribed standards
  
  
• establish inspection system for technical procedures
  
  
• establish safety protocols for use of lab materials and machinery

Domain IV: Practice Management

• communicate patient information to appropriate people
  
  
• document patient history and financial records
  
  
• inform patient of financial obligations and requirements for compliance with third-party agencies
  
  
• establish procedures for patient care that comply with medical/legal requirements
  
  
• communicate roles and expectations for facility employees

Domain V: Professional Responsibility

• select most appropriate course of action, recognizing professional limitations
  
  
• provide optimum patient care by obtaining relevant continuing education
  
  
• provide ethical patient care in accordance with ABC's Canons of Ethical Conduct
  
  
• inform individuals of current prosthetic and orthotic information

Examination Appeals
Candidates may request a review of a specific item or questions presented on the examination, or may appeal a particular incident or circumstance in relation to an examination.

Review of Examination Question or Item
All requests for review of items, questions or tasks appearing on an examination must be submitted in writing. All requests will be forwarded to the ABC Professional Credentialing Committee or its designees, for review.

Guidelines for Submitting a Written Request for Review:

• must be completed by the candidate;
  
  
• must be submitted within thirty (30) days following the examination date. Must be accompanied by thorough clinical documentation to support the basis of the challenge.

Review of Incident or Administrative Procedure
Candidates may request a review of a specific incident or procedure relative to the examination process or administration if it is felt the incident or procedure impeded the candidate's opportunity for successful completion of the examination. The guidelines for submitting a request for review are:

• must be submitted in writing to ABC;
  
  
• must be submitted by the candidate;
  
  
• must be accompanied by necessary evidence or other pertinent information;
  
  
• and must be submitted to ABC within 14 days of the examination date.

Appeals Decision
Candidates submitting a request for review to ABC shall receive notification of the results within six weeks of receipt. Should the candidate not be satisfied with the decision rendered, the candidate may submit an appeal to the board of directors by submitting another written request within 14 days. Candidates will be notified of the board's decision within 45 days of receipt of the request. The decision of the board is final.

Initial certification
Practitioners successfully completing the certification examinations will receive a congratulatory letter, a certification number, a sleeve patch, ABC policy and guidelines for mandatory continuing education, a copy of the Canons of Ethical Conduct, and information regarding the proper use of the ABC credential and logo. A certificate, suitable for framing, will be mailed under separate cover. All newly certified practitioners will have their names published in the O&P Almanac and will subsequently receive a subscription to this publication as well as to the bimonthly Mark of Merit newsletter. Newly certified practitioners will receive an invoice for that year's certification fees at a prorated amount.

In addition, a Registry of all ABC credentialed individuals and organizations is published annually and mailed to all practitioners in good standing. Alphabetical and geographical listings are included. The Registry also is sent to physicians, managed healthcare providers and to third-party payers interested in credentialed professionals.

Maintaining certification
All certifees are required to maintain certification by remitting annual fees, participating in the mandatory continuing education program and adhering to the Canons of Ethical Conduct.

Professional Conduct
Practitioners are required to abide by the Canons of Ethical Conduct (ABC's code of professional ethics) to maintain good standing. The Canons were adopted to promote acceptable standards of moral and professional conduct. Certified practitioners must abide by the rules and policies of the board and must otherwise conduct themselves in a fashion that brings credit to the profession, including, if necessary, the exposure of illegal, improper and/or ethical conduct of others that can assist the board in maintaining the standards of the profession.

Complaints alleging violations of the Canons are referred to the Professional Discipline Committee for review. The anonymity of these practitioners is maintained to ensure a fair and equitable process.

Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) Program Requirements
To remain in good standing, practitioners also are required to maintain competency through mandatory continuing education by earning professional continuing education credits (PCEs).

Time-limited certificates that expire at the end of each fifth year following certification will be issued. At the end of each five-year cycle those practitioners who have completed the mandatory continuing education requirement will be issued a new five-year, time-limited certificate.

Practitioners may qualify for PCEs in two categories. Category I PCEs may be earned through attendance at ABC approved meetings and courses. Category II PCEs may be earned through published articles, journal readings, teaching clinics, lecturing, relevant college courses, informal study groups and other independent or unsupervised activities.

For those single-discipline certifees (COs or CPs), 75 PCEs must be earned during the five-year period (see Table 2). A maximum of 25 Category II PCEs may be applied to the total required; the balance must be approved for Category I credit. PCEs may be earned all in one year or over the course of five years.

For those dual-discipline certifees (CPOs), a single certification number and expiration date will be assigned. The expiration date will coincide with the date of the most recent certification. Dual-discipline practitioners must earn a total of 100 PCEs during each five-year cycle (see Table 2). A maximum of 25 Category II PCEs may be applied to the total required; the balance must be approved for Category I credit.

Statements of PCEs earned are mailed three times each year. Mid-year statements are sent in late summer and list the total credits earned to date. Instructions for submitting additions and corrections are included with the statement. Statements of the total number of PCEs earned through the end of the calendar year are mailed to practitioners in the winter. Final statements are mailed in the spring and reflect the total credits earned throughout the end of the previous calendar year. These statements should be filed in a secured place since this information serves as the practitioner's official record of recertification.

Table 2: Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) Program Requirements

Annual Renewal Fees
Certified practitioners must remit annual renewal fees to maintain good standing with ABC. Annual renewal notices are mailed in early October and must be paid by December 1. Upon certification, newly certified practitioners will initially receive an invoice for that year's certification fees at a prorated amount. Subsequent renewal notices will be sent automatically.

Leave of Absence Policy
A request for a leave of absence from the profession of not more than two years shall be reviewed and approved by the Continuing Education Committee according to the following criteria:

1. The ABC credentialed individual must remit annual renewal fees. The credentialed individual's name will appear in the Registry with an appropriate modifier designating that he/she is on a leave of absence.
   
2. The ABC credentialed individual's mandatory continuing education recertification period will be extended the equivalent amount of time he/she is on an ABC-approved leave of absence.
   
3. During the leave of absence, the ABC credentialed individual may not use his/her credential in direct patient care. If the ABC credentialed individual is found to be using his/her credential for purposes of direct patient care, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth by the Canons of Ethical Conduct and its Rules and Procedures.
   
4. A leave of absence may not be granted for more than two years. An ABC credentialed individual who requests a leave of absence for more than two (2) years must fulfill ABC reinstatement requirements in effect at the time the ABC credentialed individual returns to direct patient care activities.

Changing Your Practitioner Status

Emeritus Practitioner Status
Certified practitioners who are at least 55 years of age and have retired from practice after having attained at least 25 years of continuous active practice in good standing with ABC, or who have 25 years of continuous active practice in good standing with ABC and are prevented by reasons of health from continuing to practice, may be eligible for emeritus practitioner status.

Emeritus status will be granted only to practitioners in good standing with ABC at the time of the request. Individuals who have applied to the board for and been granted Emeritus status are waived from submitting the annual renewal fee.

Emeritus practitioners may continue to use their credential designated with an "E" after their credential. Emeritus practitioners are permitted use of the credential (with the appropriate designating modifier) in circumstances in which the practitioner is providing O&P care for a humanitarian purpose and on a charitable basis. The use of the Emeritus credential continues to be prohibited for purposes of professional remuneration or which would inure to the financial and business benefit of an orthotic and/or prosthetic facility.

Further, emeritus practitioners may retain their original certificate. A new certificate verifying their emeritus status will be issued. In addition, Emeritus practitioners will appear in the annual Registry. Emeritus practitioners will receive a complimentary subscription to the O&P Almanac and Mark of Merit newsletter.

Retired Practitioner Status
Retired status is granted to those practitioners who have retired from practice, either permanently or temporarily, and who are not yet eligible for Emeritus status. The annual renewal fee is waived. Retired practitioners are permitted use of the credential (with the appropriate designating modifier) in circumstances in which the practitioner is providing O&P care for a humanitarian purpose and on a charitable basis. The use of the retired credential continues to be prohibited for purposes of professional remuneration or which would inure to the financial and business benefit of an orthotic and/or prosthetic facility. Retired practitioners are not listed in the annual Registry nor will they automatically receive the National Office publications. Retired practitioners may purchase a subscription to the National Office publications.

Reinstatement Policies

Active Practitioners:

Payment of Renewal Fees
Practitioners who do not renew their certification in any given year will no longer possess the credential and will not be permitted to use the ABC credential or logo. Further, only practitioners in good standing will receive the O&P Almanac and Mark of Merit newsletter and will appear in the annual Registry. Active practitioners who have not renewed their certification are subject to the following policy on reinstatement:

1. Individuals who have not renewed their certification for a period of one to two years may reinstate their original certification by submitting the current year renewal fee and all due renewal fees for the delinquent years. Please note all fees submitted will be applied to the earliest, least recent, balance due.
   
2. Individuals who have not renewed their certification for a period of two years or more may reinstate their certification only by taking and passing a re-entry examination and paying current renewal fees. Such individuals need not meet the current educational and experiential requirements. The prevailing fees and available schedule date for examinations will apply.

Upon passing the exam, they will receive a new certification number and will be subject to all recertification requirements governing new certifees at the time.

Failure to Satisfy the MCE Requirement
ABC will notify practitioners of deficient credits and/or impending suspension via certified letter. If an individual fails to comply with the continuing education requirements by the end of the five-year cycle, certification will be suspended for one year; however, the subsequent five-year cycle will commence as scheduled.

Following receipt of notification of impending suspension, practitioners will be required to notify ABC via certified letter within 30 days of their intent to earn the deficient PCEs, plus an additional 30 penalty PCEs within the current calendar year, of which 20 must be Category I. Failure to provide ABC with this notice of intent may result in revocation of certification.

During the suspension, practitioners are not permitted to use the ABC certification credential and number nor will they be included in the annual Registry.  During suspension, practitioners are relieved from remitting annual renewal fees.   Subscriptions to the National Office publications will be suspended during this period.

Upon completion of the required PCEs, practitioners must also remit the current year's annual fees to reinstate all rights and benefits to the use of the ABC credential and certification number.  Subscriptions to the National Office publications will be renewed as well.  An acknowledgement letter of reinstatement will be mailed to the practitioner and a new five-year time limited certificate will be issued.

Retired/Emeritus Practitioners:
Practitioners who have been granted Retired or Emeritus status and wish to regain active practitioner status are subject to the following policies for reinstatement:

1. Individuals who wish to return to active practice after one to two years on Retired or Emeritus status may reinstate their certification by sending a letter to ABC requesting to be returned to active practitioner status. At that time, current renewal fees must be remitted.
   
2. Individuals who wish to return to active practice after two or more years on Retired or Emeritus status may reinstate their certification only by taking and passing a re-entry examination and paying current renewal fees. Such individuals need not meet the current educational and experiential requirements. The prevailing fees and available schedule date for examinations will apply.

Upon passing the exam, they will receive a new certification number and will be subject to all new requirements governing new certifees at the time.