On Wednesday, July 27, 2005, formal negotiations between the ABC and BOC to form a unified certification organization were officially ended. In a letter sent to BOC Chair Beth Durham, CPO, BOCPO, ABC acknowledges the good faith attempts by both organizations to unify, but states that the existing differences between the two organizations have brought about an impasse in the negotiations.
A second letter, delivered directly to all ABC credentialed individuals, reads as follows:
Throughout the past 18 months, the ABC and BOC have worked together to build a unified future for orthotic and prosthetic certification. Due to existing irreconcilable differences, it is now evident that despite our collective efforts to become a single organization, unification will not take place at this time.
As we move ahead, ABC remains prepared to serve the entire O&P profession, our patients and the public. With over 10,000 individuals and patient care facilities now unified by ABC standards of excellence, our organization has the strength to face the challenges ahead.
We continue to welcome all orthotic and prosthetic professionals into the American Board for Certification. We hold the belief that our profession and our patients are best served by one certification body. With your support, that organization will continue to be ABC.