This Compendium is intended to be a source of reference to physicians, consumers, legislators, health care credentialing and provider organizations responsible for assuring the quality of comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation health care services to disabled persons.
The contents of this Compendium summarize the historical, educational, and credentialing of allied health care practitioners in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics. These highly specialized practitioners are credentialed by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC).
The ABC is recognized as the preeminent national credentialing organization responsible for the competency of Orthotists and Prosthetists providing comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic health care. The ABC is responsible for credentialing and assuring the competency of care delivered by, and under the supervision of, practitioners providing comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation services to injured and/or disabled individuals.
The ABC credentials represent the hallmark of the profession. It is the core around which the supporting organizations direct their efforts to advance the quality of care to our Nation's more than forty-three million individuals with disabling conditions and the more than one million individuals with an amputation or a limb absence. The organizations comprising the organized field of orthotics and prosthetics which recognize the ABC credentialed practitioner are as follows:
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), a professional society representing ABC credentialed practitioners and focusing primarily on the continuing educational needs of its members.
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), a trade association representing the business and legislative issues affecting patient care facilities, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of orthotic and prosthetic components.
The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), an educational credentialing organization that establishes the primary academic and residency training standards for practitioners entering the profession.
The National Association of Prosthetic - Orthotic Educators (NAPOE), an educational organization representing the academic programs credentialed by NCOPE and to assure the continuity of orthotic and prosthetic education.
This Compendium is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the organized field of orthotics and prosthetics, the credentialing of its practitioners and facilities, and the commitment of its supporting organizations in their collective efforts to enhance and ensure the quality of life for disabled persons requiring comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic services.
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