The OP&P profession is navigating rapid policy and system changes. ABC is actively supporting certified individuals, accredited facilities and the students and residents entering the profession. Below are a few key initiatives where ABC—alongside partner organizations across OP&P—is working to protect access, strengthen the workforce pipeline and advance patient care. 

• Federal Student Loan Access for Orthotic and Prosthetic Students — ABC has urged practitioner engagement on the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule that would redefine “professional degrees” for federal loan eligibility and could exclude O&P from higher loan limits. The public comment period closed March 2, 2026, but ABC is closely monitoring this issue and will provide updates as they become available. Click here (link) to read ABC’s submitted comments.

• CMS Shift to Annual Accreditation Requirements and Six-Month Moratorium on DMEPOS Supplier Enrollment — CMS moved to annual accreditation surveys effective January 1, 2026 (surveys after that date result in a one-year accreditation period). CMS also issued a six-month nationwide moratorium (effective February 25, 2026) on Medicare enrollment for newly enrolling DMEPOS medical supply companies in seven supplier categories, restricting new enrollments and new practice locations. ABC is sharing guidance and best practices to help facilities stay compliant as requirements evolve. For more information, visit ABC’s Navigating DMEPOS Accreditation Changes page or CMS Moratorium FAQs.

• WhatIsPOP Career Awareness Initiative — WhatIsPOP is a coordinated effort to increase awareness and interest in careers in prosthetics, orthotics and pedorthics and help build a sustainable applicant pipeline. Most recently, ABC has convened education leaders (program directors and faculty) for a POP Schools Summit during the Academy meeting (Feb. 20, 2026, Nashville) to collaborate on outreach and recruitment strategies.

• So Every BODY Can Move Initiative and 28x28 Challenge — ABC continues to support the disability-led movement to modernize insurance coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care for physical activity through state-by-state legislative change, targeting progress in 28 states by the LA 2028 Paralympics. The annual 28x28 Mobility Challenge (28 minutes a day for 28 days in July) raises awareness and funds to fuel advocacy and grassroots coalition work. ABC is also honored to help fund the SEBCM documentary highlighting powerful stories from advocates and legislators – a great resource to further explain the importance of this initiative with legislators. Be on the lookout for the final cut of this documentary hitting inboxes in the near future.

• AOPA Policy Forum Participation and Sponsorship — ABC supports O&P advocacy through AOPA’s Policy Forum, including sponsoring student participation and coordinating event recognition materials. The Policy Forum brings the profession together to educate Congress on issues impacting O&P care and patient access. The 2026 Policy Forum is April 13-14 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the Forum and how you can participate here.

• O&P Alliance Participation and Advocacy — ABC collaborates with the O&P Alliance and partner organizations on coordinated policy responses, including joint advocacy related to workforce and education policy and broader federal priorities impacting the profession.