BCP Set to Integrate into the ABC 

In a unanimous decision by both boards, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., (ABC) and the Board for Certification in Pedorthics, Inc.,(BCP), have begun deliberations to create a combined organization that will benefit from the expertise, resources and assets of each organization. Together we feel that pedorthic patients will benefit from the combined organization’s programs of credentialing, facility accreditation and approval of continuing education.

The impetus to join together as one organization is rooted in the mission and goals of both ABC and the BCP. Each organization seeks to promote proper and professional clinical standards, encourage education, and improve patient outcomes. Together, we would form a credentialing organization united in contemporary practice through shared patient and professional responsibilities, and would be recognized as such in pending federal regulations.

By considering the future role of credentialing and accreditation regulations, the decision by both boards demonstrates deference to the future of our profession. Medicare’s Modernization Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 2003, specifies new, provider requirements for all suppliers of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics. Based on facility accreditation, these requirements will be the cornerstone of federal regulation in our profession for the 21st century.

Gaining compliance with the proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations will be a challenge for providers of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic patient care. Accrediting organizations must meet stringent criteria to obtain CMS ‘Deemed Status.’ This status will be a requirement of all CMS-approved accrediting organizations. ABC has worked hand in hand with CMS officials in developing the accreditation standards over the past 18 months, and ABC is positioned to apply for Deemed Status this summer.

With the integration of the BCP into ABC, all accredited pedorthic facilities will join the ranks of ABC’s comprehensive O&P and mastectomy accredited facilities. ABC’s continuing cooperation with CMS policies will ensure that all ABC accredited facilities, including those originally accredited by the BCP, will remain compliant with new Medicare regulations.

To become one all encompassing organization, ABC will integrate all of the BCP’s programs. The certification requirements, exams and guidelines will be left intact, as both organizations believe the existing educational focus of the BCP certification program is appropriate for the scope of practice of contemporary pedorthists. Furthermore, the scope of practice of the Certified Pedorthist will be fully incorporated, as is, into the policies and public positions of ABC.

The joining of ABC and the BCP will allow each organization to combine administrative strengths and provide more efficient service. ABC’s staff structure and responsibilities will be expanded to incorporate every aspect of the BCP programs, providing immediate benefits to Certified Pedorthists. ABC’s considerable resources, including dedicated credentialing and accreditation staff, as well as Public Relations and Professional Discipline departments, will allow for responsible, accountable administration of the existing BCP programs. ABC also looks forward to working with the Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA) and its efforts in pedorthic education.

This transition of BCP programs will include the incorporation of Certified Pedorthists into ABC committees, including the addition of two Certified Pedorthists onto the ABC Board of Directors.

About the American Board for Certification
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc., is the nation’s largest standards setting organization for providers of orthotic and prosthetic patient care. A non-profit organization founded in 1948, ABC promotes quality O&P patient care through the establishment of nationally recognized individual certification and facility accreditation standards. With over 10,000 professionals credentialed and 1,350 facilities accredited, ABC standards are the benchmarks used by doctors, patients, and managed care organizations for determining qualified providers of orthotic and prosthetic patient care. Further information on ABC is available at www.abcop.org.

About the Board for Certified Pedorthists
The Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) is an independent certification body that sets pedorthic standards and is itself recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. A non-profit organization founded in 1973, the BCP serves two primary roles; to determine whether individuals and facilities meet national entry-level standards for the practice of pedorthics, and serving as the public's guardian regarding standards of pedorthic practice. BCP is nationally recognized as the leading pedorthic certification body, representing over 2,000 Certified Pedorthists and over 80 Accredited Pedorthic Facilities. Further information on BCP is available at www.cpeds.org.