OrthoTechs, Orthotists, and the Florida Board
Brett Saunders
Description
Collection
Title:
OrthoTechs, Orthotists, and the Florida Board
Creator:
Brett Saunders
Date:
3/6/2002
Text:
I am surprised at the amount of mis-information, mis-direction, and
falsehoods that were reported.
I am shocked over the attitude 'Mr. Noodleman' and others have about
orthotists. The generalities have been painted with a very broad brush.
What is needed is a paradigm shift. Don't be mad at the orthotists down the
street, they didn't do anything against an ortho tech.
The issues are with the Florida legislature. The board is following the
law. Exemptions are listed in the law. There does seem to be a difference
of opinion between two licensure boards at the moment, but that will be
resolved. I am confident that no member of the Florida O&P board is out to
get anyone or any profession. These are fine members of the community that
really do not get compensated for their time. They are doing the best job
possible with advice from a lawyer from the State there at the meetings to
advise them. The board members include consumers, O&P professionals, and a
physician. If anyone on this list would really like to know what goes on at
the meetings, attend one. They are open to the public. Do not believe what
others say, go and see for yourself.
It is my opinion that the licensure law has helped the orthotist slightly if
at all. While, we can now get Medicaid coverage for adults, our benefits
from this law are almost non existent. We now have to work much harder to
find 'licensed' staff members to care for our patients - a very hard task
considering that only an orthotist can fit a cast shoe, ankle stirrup, or
fixed ankle walker for anything with the word fracture in the diagnosis.
There are not many of orthotists, so it is hard to cover all the bases.
We now have: To get additional city and county occupational licenses for
each practitioner at each location.
The O&P license fee.
More continuing education requirements.
More regulations and far more paperwork as a result of licensure.
Has the O&P licensure law removed competition? I don't see where it has.
But, it is easy to see where it has driven up the cost of doing business
greatly. Still, with all the negative, I support licensure. Why? Because
the public needs protection.
If ortho techs want a change..get a law passed. Get the O&P law amended.
The ranting here does nothing to further their cause.
Brett Saunders, CPO, FAAOP
falsehoods that were reported.
I am shocked over the attitude 'Mr. Noodleman' and others have about
orthotists. The generalities have been painted with a very broad brush.
What is needed is a paradigm shift. Don't be mad at the orthotists down the
street, they didn't do anything against an ortho tech.
The issues are with the Florida legislature. The board is following the
law. Exemptions are listed in the law. There does seem to be a difference
of opinion between two licensure boards at the moment, but that will be
resolved. I am confident that no member of the Florida O&P board is out to
get anyone or any profession. These are fine members of the community that
really do not get compensated for their time. They are doing the best job
possible with advice from a lawyer from the State there at the meetings to
advise them. The board members include consumers, O&P professionals, and a
physician. If anyone on this list would really like to know what goes on at
the meetings, attend one. They are open to the public. Do not believe what
others say, go and see for yourself.
It is my opinion that the licensure law has helped the orthotist slightly if
at all. While, we can now get Medicaid coverage for adults, our benefits
from this law are almost non existent. We now have to work much harder to
find 'licensed' staff members to care for our patients - a very hard task
considering that only an orthotist can fit a cast shoe, ankle stirrup, or
fixed ankle walker for anything with the word fracture in the diagnosis.
There are not many of orthotists, so it is hard to cover all the bases.
We now have: To get additional city and county occupational licenses for
each practitioner at each location.
The O&P license fee.
More continuing education requirements.
More regulations and far more paperwork as a result of licensure.
Has the O&P licensure law removed competition? I don't see where it has.
But, it is easy to see where it has driven up the cost of doing business
greatly. Still, with all the negative, I support licensure. Why? Because
the public needs protection.
If ortho techs want a change..get a law passed. Get the O&P law amended.
The ranting here does nothing to further their cause.
Brett Saunders, CPO, FAAOP
Citation
Brett Saunders, “OrthoTechs, Orthotists, and the Florida Board,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/218630.
