OWINGS MILLS, Md. (May 4, 2016)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation’s (BOC) Board of Directors recently approved a plan to sunset the acceptance of new applications for its orthotist (BOCO), prosthetist (BOCP) and pedorthist (BOCPD) certifications. The decision will lead to greater growth opportunities for the organization and streamline the professions’ credentialing options. BOC will accept applications for the orthotist, prosthetist and pedorthist credentials through July 31, 2016.
“BOC has been a recognized partner in these fields for more than 30 years and remains firmly committed to supporting our certificants and the millions of people who depend on BOC professionals to improve the quality of their lives,” said L. Bradley “Brad” Watson, BOCO, BOCP, LPO, Chair of the BOC Board of Directors. “The Board’s decision will have no impact on current BOC certificants. All BOC certificants will have the organization’s support throughout their entire career.”
BOC will continue to provide assistance to all BOC-certified professionals in meeting continuing education requirements, renewing their certifications and ensuring BOC professionals deliver the highest level of quality patient care.
BOC also remains committed to representing the interests of the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions, including continuing membership and active participation in the O&P Alliance.
“As a leading provider of professional credentials for those providing prosthetic, orthotic and pedorthic care, BOC has demonstrated for decades their commitment to the patients who depend on BOC certificants for high-quality care,” said Susan Stout, President & CEO of Amputee Coalition. “We applaud BOC for standing by their current certificants, ensuring patients continue to have access to care from the providers they depend upon for these essential services. The BOC is making this transition with considerable integrity and commitment to the patients served by BOC certificants.”
The organization’s facility and pharmacy accreditation programs and certification programs for the orthotic fitter (COF), mastectomy fitter (CMF) and durable medical equipment specialists (CDME) are unaffected by the Board’s decision. Offering these credentials remains a long-term commitment of the organization.
BOC has been acclaimed for their award-winning innovation and customer service, earning five internationally recognized Stevie Awards. Both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs have accepted the BOC credentials as meeting their standards. Additionally, BOC practitioners are included as qualified providers in the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA).
Visit bocusa.org for more information.
