ANNOUNCE: BOC press release: Kentucky Recommends Addition of BOC as Testing Provider for Licensure Candidates
Carrie Green
Description
Collection
Title:
ANNOUNCE: BOC press release: Kentucky Recommends Addition of BOC as Testing Provider for Licensure Candidates
Creator:
Carrie Green
Date:
7/9/2014
Text:
Kentucky Recommends Addition of BOC as Testing Provider for Licensure Candidates
Owings Mills, Maryland (July 8, 2014) - In a recent decision by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Board of Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics (Kentucky Board), the Board affirmed the conclusion of an independent report that found that the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) and American Board for Certification (ABC) certification exams are equally valid testing options. The Kentucky Board voted to recommend adding BOC to the Commonwealth's licensure regulations as a testing provider for licensure candidates.
The Kentucky Board is the only O&P licensure board in the nation that has commissioned an independent psychometric evaluation of both the ABC and BOC exams. Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement. Those specializing in psychometrics are experts in the objective measurement of skills, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits, and educational/occupational achievement.
The hallmark, side-by-side psychometric comparison commenced in the Fall of 2013 and was completed by Michael R. Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist and professor at the University of Louisville. Dr. Cunningham's findings are outlined in a report prepared for and delivered to the Kentucky Board in February 2014; the report evaluated both ABC's and BOC's prosthetist, orthotist, orthotic fitter, and pedorthist job task analyses and certification tests.
On July 2, the Amputee Coalition posted the report, which they obtained through Kentucky's Open Records Request process, on their website< <URL Redacted>>. An accompanying note< <URL Redacted>> indicated that the Amputee Coalition shared this information Because we want amputees to be equipped with unbiased, expert information about their prosthetists' qualifications...
Among the many key findings in his report, Dr. Cunningham validates BOC's compliance with professional standards for testing, stating ...this independent review concludes that candidates for certification and licensure in the disciplines of Prosthetics and Orthotics who have passed all three BOC examinations are likely to possess the preparation and skills for professional practice in those disciplines. The BOC examinations for Orthotic Fitter and Pedorthics...also meet current professional standards.
Commenting on the KY Board's decision, BOC President and CEO Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE says, The BOC team is extremely pleased with the Board's decision; we are looking forward to a timely change in the regulations so we may begin working with and serving Kentucky's citizens. She adds, Dr. Cunningham's independent psychometric evaluation of both BOC's and ABC's exams clearly puts to rest any question about parity between the testing options. BOC remains keenly focused on psychometric soundness, unwavering customer service, and improving the lives of those who depend on our profession.
When asked about Dr. Cunningham's report, Steven Nettles, EdD, Program Director for BOC's contracted testing firm, Applied Measurement Professionals, stated, I'm not surprised Dr. Cunningham's report found both BOC and ABC exams psychometrically valid; this has been my professional opinion from the beginning. I know Kentucky residents will benefit from access to care by professionals from both certifying organizations.
About BOC
The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has provided credentials demonstrating the competence and proficiency of O&P and DME professionals for over 30 years. BOC offers NCCA-accredited certification programs in five O&P disciplines: orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics, orthotic fitting, and mastectomy fitting. BOC also offers the Certified DME Specialist(tm) (CDME(tm)) certification for DME support staff. BOC partners with facilities and pharmacies providing Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) by offering accreditation that evidences compliance with standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and respective state boards. Learn more at www.bocusa.org< <URL Redacted>>.
CONTACT
Carrie Green
Marketing Manager
Board of Certification/Accreditation
410.581.6222
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
Carrie Green
Marketing Manager
[BOC_cmyk.jpg][StevieMedalPicJMSbronzer]< http://www.bocusa.org/boc-wins-second-stevie-award >
Award-Winning Customer Service Team
Board of Certification/Accreditation
10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 200
Owings Mills, MD 21117
www.bocusa.org< http://www.bocusa.org/ >
[facebook.png]< http://www.bocusa.org/facebook > [twitter.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/twitter > [linkedin.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/linkedin > [G+.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/google+ >
Office: 877.776.2200 ext. 414
Local: 410.753.8802
Fax: 410.753.8803
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE < http://www.bocusa.org/privacy-policy >
Owings Mills, Maryland (July 8, 2014) - In a recent decision by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Board of Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics (Kentucky Board), the Board affirmed the conclusion of an independent report that found that the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) and American Board for Certification (ABC) certification exams are equally valid testing options. The Kentucky Board voted to recommend adding BOC to the Commonwealth's licensure regulations as a testing provider for licensure candidates.
The Kentucky Board is the only O&P licensure board in the nation that has commissioned an independent psychometric evaluation of both the ABC and BOC exams. Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement. Those specializing in psychometrics are experts in the objective measurement of skills, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits, and educational/occupational achievement.
The hallmark, side-by-side psychometric comparison commenced in the Fall of 2013 and was completed by Michael R. Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist and professor at the University of Louisville. Dr. Cunningham's findings are outlined in a report prepared for and delivered to the Kentucky Board in February 2014; the report evaluated both ABC's and BOC's prosthetist, orthotist, orthotic fitter, and pedorthist job task analyses and certification tests.
On July 2, the Amputee Coalition posted the report, which they obtained through Kentucky's Open Records Request process, on their website< <URL Redacted>>. An accompanying note< <URL Redacted>> indicated that the Amputee Coalition shared this information Because we want amputees to be equipped with unbiased, expert information about their prosthetists' qualifications...
Among the many key findings in his report, Dr. Cunningham validates BOC's compliance with professional standards for testing, stating ...this independent review concludes that candidates for certification and licensure in the disciplines of Prosthetics and Orthotics who have passed all three BOC examinations are likely to possess the preparation and skills for professional practice in those disciplines. The BOC examinations for Orthotic Fitter and Pedorthics...also meet current professional standards.
Commenting on the KY Board's decision, BOC President and CEO Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE says, The BOC team is extremely pleased with the Board's decision; we are looking forward to a timely change in the regulations so we may begin working with and serving Kentucky's citizens. She adds, Dr. Cunningham's independent psychometric evaluation of both BOC's and ABC's exams clearly puts to rest any question about parity between the testing options. BOC remains keenly focused on psychometric soundness, unwavering customer service, and improving the lives of those who depend on our profession.
When asked about Dr. Cunningham's report, Steven Nettles, EdD, Program Director for BOC's contracted testing firm, Applied Measurement Professionals, stated, I'm not surprised Dr. Cunningham's report found both BOC and ABC exams psychometrically valid; this has been my professional opinion from the beginning. I know Kentucky residents will benefit from access to care by professionals from both certifying organizations.
About BOC
The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has provided credentials demonstrating the competence and proficiency of O&P and DME professionals for over 30 years. BOC offers NCCA-accredited certification programs in five O&P disciplines: orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics, orthotic fitting, and mastectomy fitting. BOC also offers the Certified DME Specialist(tm) (CDME(tm)) certification for DME support staff. BOC partners with facilities and pharmacies providing Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) by offering accreditation that evidences compliance with standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and respective state boards. Learn more at www.bocusa.org< <URL Redacted>>.
CONTACT
Carrie Green
Marketing Manager
Board of Certification/Accreditation
410.581.6222
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
Carrie Green
Marketing Manager
[BOC_cmyk.jpg][StevieMedalPicJMSbronzer]< http://www.bocusa.org/boc-wins-second-stevie-award >
Award-Winning Customer Service Team
Board of Certification/Accreditation
10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 200
Owings Mills, MD 21117
www.bocusa.org< http://www.bocusa.org/ >
[facebook.png]< http://www.bocusa.org/facebook > [twitter.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/twitter > [linkedin.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/linkedin > [G+.png] < http://www.bocusa.org/google+ >
Office: 877.776.2200 ext. 414
Local: 410.753.8802
Fax: 410.753.8803
<Email Address Redacted> <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>>
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE < http://www.bocusa.org/privacy-policy >
Citation
Carrie Green, “ANNOUNCE: BOC press release: Kentucky Recommends Addition of BOC as Testing Provider for Licensure Candidates,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/236512.
