Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4 | Ohio Administrative Code 4755:4 — Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board | Orthotics, Prosthetics, Pedorthics

Chapter 4755:4-1 Licensure

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-01 Applications for initial licensure by examination.

(A) Applications must be:

(1) Submitted electronically via the Ohio e-license system;

(2) Electronically signed via the Ohio e-license system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-66-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application.

(B) For purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant shall create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the license holder who created it. The credentials constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any person.

(C) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing will be considered to be abandoned and no further processing will be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board. An applicant may request to withdraw an application by submitting a request through eLicense Ohio.

(3) Submitted fees are neither refundable nor transferable.

(D) The applicant seeking licensure under section 4779.09 of the Revised Code must:

(1) Submit an attestation that the applicant is at least eighteen years old and meets the requirements of section 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, or 4779.13 of the Revised Code.

(2) Pass an examination approved by the board pursuant to section 4779.15 of the Revised Code.

(3) Attestation and submission of fingerprints for criminal record checks by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation (BCII) and the federal bureau of investigation (FBI), if the application is for the first issuance of a license.

(E) In addition, an application for a license to practice orthotics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of a post-graduate certificate program in orthotics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in orthotics consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in orthotics;

(4) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(F) In addition, an application for a license to practice prosthetics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of a post-graduate certificate program in prosthetics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in prosthetics consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in prosthetics;

(4) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(G) In addition, an application for a license to practice orthotics and prosthetics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of post-graduate certificate programs in prosthetics and orthotics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in prosthetics and orthotics, consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in prosthetics, and nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in orthotics;

(4) An applicant who holds a license in orthotics and successfully completes all the requirements for a license in prosthetics will be issued a new license in prosthetics-orthotics;

(5) An applicant who holds a license in prosthetics and successfully completes all the requirements for a license in orthotics will be issued a new license in prosthetics-orthotics;

(6) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(H) In addition, an application for a license to practice pedorthics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence.

(2) A statement from the supervising pedorthist, orthotist, prosthetist, or prosthetist-orthotist that the applicant has practiced under the supervisor's oversight and direction. The statement must be provided on a form prescribed by the state board of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics which requires attestation of completion of one thousand hours of pedorthic care practice under supervision by the licensed supervisor, including at least one hundred hours devoted to each of the following five general areas of service delivery:

(a) Comprehensive assessment and evaluation of patients requiring the full spectrum of pedorthic care, including:

(i) Custom fabricated and custom fitted foot orthoses

(ii) Therapeutic/diabetic shoes, depth shoes and custom shoes

(iii) Prefabricated inserts, custom fitted, moldable and rigid

(iv) Shoe modifications

(v) Retail, non-therapeutic shoes and foot orthoses

(b) Development of a comprehensive treatment plan to provide appropriate pedorthic care.

(c) Selection of materials and components to meet the treatment plan. On-site fabrication of the device where facilities are available. Working knowledge of how various devices are fabricated if fabrication is not done at the facility.

(d) Fitting and appropriate follow-up of the pedorthic device to assure optimal fit and function of the device. This includes modifications and adjustments of the device to ensure proper and continued function and instructing patient on the use and care of the device with verbal and take-home instructions where indicated or required.

(e) Appropriate documentation of patient care and interaction, including records are accurate, current and complete, and that principles and procedures of practice management are understood.

(3) Completion of the training, education, and/or experience requirements necessary to sit for a certification in pedorthics examination in accordance with standards established by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:48 AM

History

Effective: October 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-02 Licensure for out-of-state applicants.

(A) In accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code, an applicant who holds a license issued by another state may obtain a license to practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics in the state of Ohio if the out-of-state applicant qualifies under one of the following paths:

(1) Meets the same standard as for Ohio licensure by:

(a) Qualifying for licensure in the state of Ohio, except for the passage of the examination as required under sections 4779.09 and 4779.15 of the Revised Code; and

(b) Holding a valid license issued by the appropriate licensing entity of another state and not having a license in another state that has been revoked or is currently under suspension or probation or remains under the effect of any other current disciplinary action.

(2) Holds a substantially similar out-of-state occupational license or government certification according to division (A) of section 4796.03 of the Revised Code and the applicant:

(a) Is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds an out-of-state occupational license or government certification to practice the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying in this state; and

(b) Was required to satisfy minimum education, training, or experience requirements or pass an examination to receive the out-of-state occupational license or government certification; and

(c) Has not surrendered or had revoked a license, out-of-state occupational license, or government certification because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant's work in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying in this state; and

(d) Has not been convicted of, found guilty pursuant to a judicial finding of, or plead guilty to a criminal offense for which a licensing authority may deny an application for a license or government certification or that would otherwise disqualify the applicant for the license or government certification under the applicable law of this state governing the profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying.

(3) Holds a private certification and the applicant:

(a) Has held a private certification for at least two years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted and has been actively engaged in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity as the license or government certification for which the applicant is applying in this state in a state that does not issue an out-of-state occupational license or government certification for the respective profession, occupation, or occupational activity for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted;

(b) Is in good standing with the private organization that issued the private certification;

(B) Applications must be:

(1) Submitted electronically via the Ohio e-license system;

(2) Electronically signed via the Ohio e-license system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-4-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application, including any documentation necessary to support the qualifications mentioned in this rule, and pursuant to the profession-specific requirements of paragraphs (E) to (H) of rule 4755:4-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Out-of-state residents must update the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board within thirty working days of any change in orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics employment in the state of Ohio or any change in state-of-residence or state-of-employment status.

Last updated December 17, 2023 at 10:52 AM

History

Effective: December 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-03 Educational programs.

(A) The board recognizes orthotics and prosthetics educational programs that are accredited by or are under a letter of review from the national commission on orthotics and prosthetic education under the auspices of the commission of accreditation of allied health educational programs or their successor organization(s); for pedorthic educational programs, the board hereby approves programs accredited by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education or its successor organization.

(B) The board recognizes a post-secondary educational program that complies with the requirements of section 4779.25 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board may recognize an educational program that meets these standards upon request of an officer or official of the educational program, upon request of an applicant for licensure, or upon request of any person that has a recognized interest in the fields of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-04 Certificate program requirements.

"Certificate program" as referenced in section 4779.26 of the Revised Code, means a post-graduate certificate program that meets the following requirements, as applicable:

(A) All certificate programs shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Admission standards require at least a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence issued by the state board of education;

(2) Has a written description of the program that includes learning goals, course objectives, and competencies for graduation;

(3) Requires frequent, documented evaluations of students to assess their acquisition of knowledge, problem identification and solving skills, and psychomotor, behavioral, and clinical competencies;

(4) Admits only persons who have successfully completed courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, computer science, algebra or higher math, human anatomy with a laboratory section, and physiology with a laboratory section;

(5) Requires students to complete formal instruction in biomechanics, gait analysis and pathomechanics, kinesiology, pathology, material science, research methods, and diagnostic imaging techniques;

(6) Provides for the evaluation of the program through regular, on-site visits conducted by qualified people from a nationally recognized orthotic, prosthetic, or orthotic and prosthetic certifying body.

(B) In addition, a certificate program in orthotics shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in orthotics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires students to complete not less than two hundred fifty hours of supervised clinical experience that focuses on patient-related activities, including recommendation, measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, fabrication, fitting, and evaluating patients in the use and function of orthotic systems;

(3) Requires as a condition of graduation that students demonstrate orthotic skills, including measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, and fitting and alignment of orthoses for the lower limbs, upper limbs, and spines;

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in prosthetics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires students to complete not less than two hundred fifty hours of supervised clinical experience that focuses on patient-related activities, recommendation, measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, fabrication, fitting, and evaluating patients in the use and function of prosthetics;

(3) Requires as a condition of graduation that students demonstrate prosthetic skills that include measurement, impression taking, model rectification, diagnostic fitting, definitive fitting, postoperative management, external power, and static and dynamic alignment of prostheses related to various amputation levels, including partial foot, syme's below the knee, above knee, below elbow, above elbow, and the various joint disarticulations.

(D) In addition, a certificate program in orthotics and prosthetics shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in orthotics and two semesters or three quarters of instruction in prosthetics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires as a condition of graduation that students complete training in orthotic systems, including foot orthoses, ankle-foot orthoses, knee orthoses, knee-ankle-foot orthoses, hip-knee orthoses, wrist-hand orthoses, cervical-thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthoses, thoracolumbar orthoses, lumbarsacral orthoses, halo, fracture management, reciprocal gait orthoses, standing frames, and seating;

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-02

The following definitions must apply to the language of Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Board" means the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board.

(B) "License" as it is used under Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code, means the authority to practice in the noted profession pursuant to an action of the board.

(D) "Nationally accredited college or university in the U.S." means colleges and universities accredited by an accreditation body recognized by the U.S. department of education, including regional accreditation bodies.

(E) "Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction" as it is used in divisions (B)(1), (C)(1), and (D)(1) of section 4779.26 of the Revised Code means that the certificate program meets those specific traditional education duration standards or meets the standards as developed and implemented by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education (NCOPE) in effect at the time the applicant was completing his or her formal education for entrance to the referenced professions. Such instruction may include blended learning that allows for a combination of online distance learning, classroom learning, and on-site clinical learning that meets the standards established by the commission on accreditation of allied health education professions (CAAHEP).

(F) "Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction" as it is used in divisions (B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3) of section 4779.27 of the Revised Code means that the residency program requires as a prerequisite for admission the educational equivalent of learning required by section 4779.26 of the Revised Code or residency admission standards as developed and implemented by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education (NCOPE) that were in effect at the time the applicant was completing his or her formal education for entrance to the referenced professions and that meets or met the standards established by the commission on accreditation of allied health education professions (CAAHEP).

(G) "Residency program" approved by the board, as referenced in section 4779.10 of the Revised Code, section 4779.11 of the Revised Code, and section 4779.12 of the Revised Code means a residency requiring nineteen hundred hours under the direct supervision of a practitioner certified in the same discipline, and which meets the requirements of section 4779.27 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Suspended" as used in section 4779.31 of the Revised Code means a license that has lapsed or been placed on inactive or non-renewed status due to non-payment of renewal fees, as well as a license placed under suspension as the result of an adjudication pursuant to section 4779.28, 4779.29, or 4779.30 of the Revised Code, or as the result of an agreement entered into between the board and the license holder in lieu of proceeding to adjudication.

(I) Supervision definitions and requirements

(1) "Physically present" as it is used under division (B) of section 4779.04 of the Revised Code means at the same building, location, or facility as the non-licensed practitioner and patient.

(2) "Under the direct supervision," as it is used under division (B)(5) of section 4779.02 of the Revised Code, means the person who provides orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic services under the supervision of a person authorized to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine, must perform the evaluation, measurement, design, fitting, adjusting, servicing, or training in a building, facility, or location where the physician or osteopathic physician is present at the time the service is provided and pursuant to a professional arrangement whereby the physician or osteopathic physician takes full clinical and consumer care responsibility for the orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic services provided.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:49 AM

History

Effective: October 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-05 Examinations.

(A) The board recognizes the following examinations to qualify an applicant for licensure pursuant to sections 4779.09 and 4779.15 of the Revised Code.

(1) For licensure in orthotics, the orthotics written examination and the orthotics written simulation examination administered by the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABCOPP).

(2) For licensure in prosthetics, the prosthetics written examination and the prosthetics written simulation examination administered by the ABCOPP.

(3) For licensure in pedorthics, either:

(a) The certified pedorthist examination administered by the ABCOPP, or

(b) The pedorthist certification examination administered by the board of certification/accreditation formerly known as the board of orthotist/prosthetist certification.

(B) The board will accept results of examinations previously administered if other qualifications required by Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code are evident in application documentation.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-06 Biennial renewal of license.

(A) Renewal of an orthotics, prosthetics, orthotics-prosthetics, and pedorthics license happens in accordance with section 4779.20 of the Revised Code.

(1) The following shall be completed to satisfy the requirements of license renewal:

(a) The entire licensure renewal application, including any required forms;

(b) Compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(2) The renewal notice will be sent to the e-mail address on file with the board.

(B) All persons licensed as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, and pedorthist shall renew their license by the thirty-first day of January in each odd-numbered year. When a license to practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist is issued by the board on or after October first of an even-numbered year, that license will be valid through the thirty-first day of January of the next odd-numbered year.

(C) Persons who fail to submit the renewal fee, completed application, any other required forms, and/or comply with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code by the thirty-first day of January of the odd-numbered year will have their license automatically expire.

(1) A license holder whose license expires for failure to renew shall submit a reinstatement application in accordance with rule 4755:4-1-07 of the Administrative Code. The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board shall approve the reinstatement application before the person may legally practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist in Ohio.

(2) A license holder who continues to practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist with an expired license is subject to disciplinary action pursuant to section 4779.28 or 4779.99 of the Revised Code.

(D) For the purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant shall create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the license holder who created it. The credentials shall constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-3-01

(A) Pursuant to section 4779.20 of the Revised Code, no person will qualify for license renewal as a orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist, or orthotist-prosthetist unless the person completed the required continuing education units outlined in paragraph (A) of this rule.

(1) License holders are not required to obtain any continuing education units for the first renewal.

(2) A licensed orthotist or prosthetist shall achieve twenty-five continuing education units within the two-year renewal cycle.

(3) A licensed prosthetist-orthotist shall achieve thirty-five continuing education units within the two-year renewal cycle.

(4) A licensed pedorthist shall achieve eighteen continuing education units within the two-year renewal cycle.

(B) Accumulated continuing education units may not be carried over from one renewal period to another.

(C) An orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist, or orthotist-prosthetist license shall not be renewed unless the license holder certifies that the person completed the required number of continuing education hours specified in paragraph (A) of this rule.

A license holder who falsifies a renewal application may be disciplined by the board for violating section 4779.20 of the Revised Code.

(D) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board will conduct an audit of the continuing education records of a number of the license holders to be determined by the board each renewal year. The board will notify license holders who are selected for the audit to determine compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in this rule.

(1) License holders chosen for the audit shall submit to the board by the date specified by the board copies of all records and documentation of proof of completion of the continuing education activities used to meet the continuing education requirements of this rule.

(2) Failure to provide proof of the required number of continuing education hours for the specified time period will result in the commencement of disciplinary action.

(3) Failure to respond to or acknowledge receipt of an audit notice will result in disciplinary action.

(E) Applicants for renewal shall successfully complete the required number of continuing education hours according to section 4779.20 of the Revised Code and this rule. The board will accept as continuing education units all courses approved by the board of certification/accreditation, and the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. The board will also accept continuing education units as specified by section 4779.24 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 12, 2024 at 1:59 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-07

(A) Pursuant to rule 4755:4-1-06 of the Administrative Code the orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthics license of a person who fails to comply with the renewal requirements shall automatically expire on the thirty-first day of January of odd-numbered years.

(B) All applicants for reinstatement shall submit a completed application as specified by the joint occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board. All applications shall:

(1) Be submitted electronically via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(2) Be electronically signed via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(3) Contain the fee prescribed by rule 4755-4-01 of the Administrative Code;

(4) Be accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application, including viewing any presentation required by the board; and

(5) Contain proof that the applicant met the appropriate continuing education requirement:

(a) For reinstatement applications submitted before March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours of continuing education that were required to renew the expired license. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used for the subsequent renewal of the reinstated license.

(b) For reinstatement applications submitted on or after March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code within the two year period immediately preceding the date the board receives the application for reinstatement. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used for the subsequent renewal of the reinstated license.

(1) Appearance before the section for a reinstatement interview.

(2) Taking or retaking the examination specified in Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code.

(D) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board may reinstate a license and may waive payment of late fees for reinstatement when the section determines that a person demonstrates good cause why the person was unable to submit the renewal fee by the prescribed renewal date. In no instance shall the normal renewal fee be waived.

(E) For the purposes of filing an electronic application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant will create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the person who created it. The credentials will constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

(F) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing will be considered to be abandoned and no further processing will be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-08 International education licensure.

(A) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board may consider acceptance of international educational credentials for licensure as an orthotist, prosthetist, or prosthetist-orthotist as follows:

(1) The applicant shall complete an education credentials review from an entity approved by the board to be used by the board to determine if the applicant's foreign education was substantially equivalent pursuant to section 4779.10, 4779.11, or 4779.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) The applicant shall demonstrate that the person met the requirements to practice orthotics or prosthetics in the country of education and evidence of eligible licensure and/or certification credentialing in that country.

(B) Educational evaluations reflect only the findings and conclusions of the evaluating service and are not binding upon the board.

Last updated November 4, 2024 at 8:43 AM

History

Effective: November 2, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-1-09 Unique and exceptional qualifications.

(A) "Unique and exceptional qualifications" as used in division (A) of section 4779.08 of the Revised Code means education, training, or experience that qualify a person to perform orthotic or prosthetic care outside of the traditional pathway outlined in section 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, or 4779.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board will determine whether a person is uniquely and exceptionally qualified on a case-by-base basis based on the information supplied by the applicant and other information deemed relevant by the board. The joint board shall consult with a member of the orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics advisory committee in determining whether an applicant meets the unique and exceptional qualifications.

(1) Experiential

(a) Applicants with at least two years within the five years before license application submission of extensive orthotic or prosthetic experience, including spending seventy-five per cent of work time providing direct patient care, in the discipline for which they have applied. Applicants must have experience doing evaluation, casting, model rectification, fitting, delivery, and follow-up of custom fabricated devices. Applicants must demonstrate proof of fifty continuing education hours within the five years prior to submission of application. The board will accept as continuing education units all courses approved by the board for orthotist/prosthetist certification (BOC), and the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABC). The board will also accept continuing education units as specified by section 4779.24 of the Revised Code; or

(b) Applicants with at least two years within the five years before license application submission of extensive orthotic and prosthetic experience, including spending seventy-five per cent of work time providing direct patient care, when applying to be a licensed prosthetist-orthotist. Applicants must have experience doing evaluation, casting, model rectification, fitting, delivery, and follow-up of custome fabricated devices. Applicants must demonstrate proof of seventy continuing education hours within the five years prior to submission of application. The board will accept as continuing education units all courses approved by the board for orthotist/prosthetist certification (BOC), and the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABC). The board will also accept continuing education units as specified by section 4779.24 of the Revised Code.

(2) Applicants who meet the academic requirements described in division (A)(3) of section 4779.10 of the Revised Code, division (A)(3) of section 4779.11 of the Revised Code, division (A)(3) of section 4779.12 of the Revised Code, or division (A)(3) of section 4779.17 of the Revised Code, but have not completed a professional clinical residency meeting national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education requirements. These applicants shall submit proof of at least two years of applicable orthotic or prosthetic experience within the five years before application that was obtained under supervision of a licensed or certified orthotist or prosthetist in the discipline for which they have applied.

(D) In addition to the requirements described in paragraph (C) of this rule, an applicant must submit:

(1) Two letters of recommendation to the board demonstrating qualifications for licensure; and

(2) Proof of current and unrestricted active certification from either BOC or ABC.

(E) Any applicant applying for licensure under paragraph (C)(2) of this rule must comply with rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated May 28, 2024 at 8:26 AM

History

Effective: May 27, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4755:4-2 Code of Ethical Conduct

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-01 Ethical and professional conduct.

A license holder shall provide professional services with objectivity and with respect for the unique needs and values of the health care recipient, as follows:

(A) A license holder shall not discriminate on the basis of factors that are irrelevant to the provision of professional services including, but not limited to, race, creed, sex, national origin, age, or medical condition.

(B) Prior to a license holder entering into a contractual relationship with a health care recipient, the license holder shall provide sufficient information to enable the health care recipient to make an informed decision to enter into a contractual relationship. Sufficient information includes any fees and arrangements for payment which might affect the decision.

(C) A license holder shall not mislead the public and/or colleagues about services and shall not advertise in a misleading manner.

(D) A license holder shall not engage in any activities that seek to meet his or her personal needs at the expense or detriment of the health care recipient.

(E) A license holder shall not receive or give a commission, rebate, or any other form of direct or indirect remuneration or benefit for the referral of patients/clients for professional services.

(F) A license holder shall disclose to health care recipients any financial interest in commercial orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics device which the license holder promotes for the purpose of direct or indirect personal gain or profit.

(G) A license holder shall not accept gratuities for any reason including, but not limited to, preferential consideration of the health care recipient.

(H) A license holder shall report to the board any unprofessional, incompetent, unethical, or illegal behavior of an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist of which the person has knowledge. An obligation to report is inherent in the professions. Where the alleged violation involves impairment issues and no other provisions of Chapter 4755. or 4779. of the Revised Code or other provisions or rules adopted under them, the license holder may make a referral to the safe haven program in lieu of making report to the board.

(I) A license holder shall practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics in accordance with prevailing professional standards or guidelines and shall not endeavor to extend his/her practice beyond his/her competence and the authority vested in him/her under division (B) of section 4779.02 of the Revised Code.

(J) A license holder shall not carry out a prescribed service that he knows to be harmful to a patient.

(K) A license holder shall only access health care recipient information which is necessary and relevant to his/her function and authority as a orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics provider.

(L) When responding to a consumer's, prescriber's or provider's request for orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic services, if it is evident from the initial evaluation and a review of patient history and/or chart information that another licensed orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic service provider is currently providing services based on the same or similar medical orders, the second provider has a professional duty of care to the consumer and the prescriber to contact the first provider and offer the opportunity to complete or clarify the appropriate provision of services.

(M) Maintenance of consumer care information

(1) A license holder shall maintain consumer care documentation which includes, at minimum:

(a) Medical presentation/history data appropriate to the service provided;

(b) Evaluation and measurement data supporting device choice and recommendation;

(d) Medical orders and therapist notes supporting services provided;

(e) Documentation required by third party payers including assignment of benefits, privacy notices, delivery receipts, financial arrangements, and records reflecting contacts for and provision of follow-up care;

(2) Consumer care data shall be maintained with privacy and security safeguards appropriate to the data retained in file.

(3) The license holder responsible for provision of care should take steps to assure the consumer file data is maintained a minimum of five years from last date of service unless a longer period is required by federal or state law or conditions imposed by any third-party payer.

(N) A license holder, or an applicant for licensure, shall provide a written response within a reasonable period of time not to exceed thirty days to any written inquiry regarding compliance with law or rule received from the board. A license holder or an applicant for licensure may not withhold or refuse to provide copies of any records requested by the board or its representative unless otherwise ordered by a court.

(O) A license holder shall self report to the board, within thirty days, any of the items outlined in paragraphs (O)(1) to (O)(7) of this rule. Failure to comply with paragraphs (O)(1) to (O)(7) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4779.28 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) Impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol, drugs, or other medical condition or illness that affects the applicant's or license holder's ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety. This reporting requirement shall not be applicable where the applicant or license holder is a participant in the board's safe haven program and complies with the same.

(2) Conviction of a felony.

(3) Conviction of a misdemeanor when the act that constituted the misdemeanor occurred during the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.

(4) The termination, revocation, or suspension of membership by a state or national orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics professional association.

(5) The termination, revocation, suspension, or sanctioning of a credential issued by a state or national orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics credentialing organization.

(6) A positive drug and/or alcohol screening.

(7) A finding of malpractice by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(P) License holders shall not document or bill for services not actually provided.

(Q) License holders shall not falsify, alter, or destroy patient records, medical records, or billing records without authorization. The license holder shall maintain accurate patient and billing records.

(R) A license holder shall not abandon a patient by inappropriately terminating the practitioner-patient relationship.

(S) A license holder shall not engage in any sexual relationship, contact, or conduct, including dating, with any patient, or engage in any conduct that may reasonably be interpreted by the patient to be sexual, whether consensual or nonconsensual, while a license holder-patient relationship exists.

(1) A license holder shall not intentionally expose or view a completely or partially disrobed patient in the course of treatment if the exposure or viewing is not related to the patient diagnosis or treatment under current practice standards.

(2) A license holder shall not engage in a conversation with a patient that is sexual in nature or sexually demeaning and unrelated to the plan of care.

(T) A license holder shall not engage in sexual harassment of patients, students, and/or colleagues. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, making unwelcome sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, and engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that results in:

(1) Withholding services to a patient;

(2) Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or

(3) Interfering with the patient's ability to recover.

(U) License holders shall cooperate with an investigation by the board. Failure to cooperate is conduct detrimental to the best interest of the public and grounds for disciplinary action. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any questions raised by the board and providing copies of the medical records and other documents requested by the board,

(1) A license holder shall respond fully and truthfully to a request for information from the board.

(2) A license holder shall comply with a subpoena issued by the board.

(3) A license holder shall provide information or document within the time frame specified by the board.

(4) A license holder shall appear and provide information at an interview requested by the board.

(5) A license holder shall not deceive, or attempt to deceive, the board regarding any matter, including by altering or destroying any record or document.

(6) A license holder shall not interfere with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the agency or the board, or by use of threats or harassment against any patient or witness to prevent the patient or witness from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any other legal action.

(7) A license holder shall not refuse to provide testimony in an administrative hearing.

(V) A license holder shall not practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics while the ability to practice is impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, narcotic drugs, physical disability, mental disability, or emotional disability. If a license holder's or applicant's ability to practice is in question, and the license holder or applicant is not a participant in the board's safe haven program, the license holder or applicant shall submit to a physical or mental examination or drug/alcohol screen as requested by the board to determine the applicant's or license holder's qualifications to practice orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:53 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-02 Definition of terms.

The following definitions must apply to the language of Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Board" means the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board.

(B) "License" as it is used under Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code, means the authority to practice in the noted profession pursuant to an action of the board.

(I) Supervision definitions and requirements

(1) "Physically present" as it is used under division (B) of section 4779.04 of the Revised Code means at the same building, location, or facility as the non-licensed practitioner and patient.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:49 AM

History

Effective: October 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-03 Device-related and scope of practice definitions.

The following definitions apply to the language of Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Accommodative" as defined at division (A) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code means in addition that the item is designed to conform to the anatomy of the particular person who purchases and wears the item. "Accommodative" may describe an item sold on a strictly retail basis, but may also describe an item requiring custom fitting or custom fabricating as required by patient presentation and medical order.

(B) "Arch support" as used in division (G) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code means an item sold off-the-shelf on a retail basis to be accommodative to the anatomy of the foot for the person who uses it, which is not custom fitted or custom fabricated, and is not provided to fill a doctor's order or healthcare prescription.

(C) "Nontherapeutic" as used in divisions (D) and (G) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code means an item sold off-the-shelf on a retail basis, which is not custom fitted or custom fabricated, and is not delivered to fill a doctor's order or healthcare prescription.

(D) "Therapeutic" as used in division (G) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code refers to an item delivered to fill a patient-specific doctor's order or healthcare prescription.

(E) "Custom fabricated or fitted medical device" as referenced in division (E), (G), or (I) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code means an orthotic, prosthetic or pedorthic device that is individually made (custom fabricated) or fitted (custom fitted) for a specific patient. Further, it is a device the provision of which requires access to a facility with the equipment necessary to fulfill the ongoing consumer-care responsibility to provide follow-up treatment, including modification, adjustment, maintenance and repair of the item(s).

(1) A custom fabricated item is defined as a device which is individually made for a specific patient. No other patient would be able to use this item. A custom fabricated item is a device which is fabricated based on clinically derived and rectified castings, tracings, measurements, and/or other images (such as x-rays or digital scans) of the body part. The fabrication may involve using calculations, templates and components. This process requires the use of basic materials including, but not limited to plastic, metal, leather or cloth in the form of uncut or unshaped sheets, bars, or other basic forms and involves substantial work such as vacuum forming, cutting, bending, molding, sewing, drilling and finishing prior to fitting on the patient.

A molded-to-patient-model item is a particular type of custom fabricated device in which either:

(a) An impression (usually by means of a plaster or fiberglass cast) of the specific body part is made directly on the patient, and this impression is then used to make a positive model of the body part from which the final product is crafted; or

(b) A digital image of the patient's body part is made using computer-aided design-computer aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) systems software. This technology includes specialized probe/digitizers and scanners that create a computerized positive model and then direct milling equipment to carve a positive model. The device is then individually fabricated and molded over the positive model of the patient. The use of CAD/CAM software or digital software packages and hardware to generate a negative model (three-D printing) can be used for direct fabrication of intermediate stages of the device up to and including the final or definitive device itself.

(2) A custom fitted item is defined as a prefabricated device which is manufactured in quantity without a specific patient in mind. The device may or may not be supplied as a kit that requires some assembly and/or fitting and adjustment, or a device that may be trimmed, bent, molded (with or without heat), or otherwise modified by a person with expertise in customizing the item to fit and be used by a specific patient.

A custom fabricated or fitted medical device as referenced in division (E), (G), or (I) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code does not include:

(a) Upper extremity adaptive equipment used to facilitate the activities of daily living;

(b) Finger splints or wrist splints;

(c) Prefabricated elastic or fabric abdominal supports with or without metal or plastic reinforcing stays requiring minimal fitting;

(d) Other prefabricated soft goods requiring minimal fitting;

(e) Nontherapeutic accommodative inlays;

(f) Nontherapeutic or therapeutic over-the-counter or off-the-shelf shoes or boots that are not manufactured or modified for a particular person;

(g) Prefabricated foot care products;

(h) Other durable medical equipment that is not categorized as an orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic device; dental appliances; or devices implanted into the body by a physician.

(F) "For use from the apex of the medial malleolus and below" as used in division (G) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code means that the pedorthic device does not physically extend proximal to the apex of the medial malleolus, meaning not extending higher than the middle of the ankle bone.

(G) "Minimal fitting" as used in division (D) of section 4779.01 of the Revised Code and this rule means the prefabricated device is classified as an off the shelf device by the U.S. department of health and human services center for medicare/medicaid services.

Last updated October 12, 2024 at 3:17 AM

History

Effective: October 11, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-04 Proper use of credentials.

(A) A license holder shall not misrepresent any professional qualifications or credentials or provide any information that is false, deceptive or misleading in connection with his/her own application for employment or work as an orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics practitioner.

(B) A license holder shall not delegate the use of his/her name or signature on documentation for services unless he/she actually provided these services and has given permission to another person for such documentation, or unless he/she appropriately supervised those services.

(C) A license holder shall not use any title, initials or acronym indicating ownership or possession of an advanced educational credential or degree unless such educational credential or degree was earned through the auspices of an institution recognized by an appropriate national or regional accrediting agency.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:53 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-2-05 Supervision of orthotic fitters and assistants.

(A) As used in this rule:

(1) "Assistant" means a person who is credentialed by a nationally recognized certifying board who is educated and trained to participte in comprehensive orthotic and/or prosthetic care while under the supervision of an orthotist and/or prosthetist licensed under Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code.

(2) "Orthotic fitter" means a person who is credentialed by a nationally recognized certifying board who is specifically educated and trained in the provision of certain orthoses.

(B) Supervision of orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic services as defined in section 4779.04 of the Revised Code includes:

(1) A person shall not work as an assistant or orthotic fitter to an orthotist or prosthetist unless the work is performed under the supervision and co-signature of a licensed orthotist, licensed prosthetist, or licensed prosthetist-orthotist under this chapter. A person shall not provide patient care services regulated by Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code unless provided under supervision pursuant to divisions (B) and (C) of section 4779.04 of the Revised Code.

(2) An assistant or orthotic fitter may perform orthotic or prosthetic procedures and related tasks in the management of patient care.

(3) An assistant may fabricate, repair, and maintain orthoses and prostheses.

(4) Assistants or orthotic fitters may be privileged based on written objective criteria to provide prosthetic and orthotic care or prefabricated non-weight bearing post-operative transtibial prosthetic devices and related ancillary supplies.

Last updated May 26, 2026 at 7:53 AM

History

Effective: May 24, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4755:4-3 Continuing Education

Ohio Adm.Code 4755:4-3-01 Continuing education requirements and reporting.