64B14-4.003. Documentation of Eligibility for Licensure

(1) In order to establish eligibility for licensure as an orthotist, prosthetist, orthotic fitter, orthotic fitter assistant, or pedorthist under Section 468.803(5)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e), F.S., the applicant must submit an Orthotist, Prosthetist, Orthotist – Prosthetist, Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Fitter Assistant, Pedorthist – Application for Licensure, form DH-MQA 1132, (Revised 08/2022), herein incorporated by reference, which is available at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14879, or at the Board’s website http://floridasorthotistsprosthetists.gov/, and provide:

(a) An official transcript from the accredited institution at which the applicant’s Baccalaureate or post-graduate Bachelor of Science degree was awarded, indicating the degree awarded.

(b) If the applicant’s degree was not awarded in orthotics and prosthetics, documentation from the CAAHEP approved program certifying completion of an orthotics or prosthetics program, as applicable.

(c) If the applicant completed a residency program certified by NCOPE, documentation from NCOPE certifying completion of the residency program.

(d)1. If the applicant completed an internship, documentation from the qualified supervisor that specifies the number of hours worked demonstrates compliance with Rule 64B14-4.100, F.A.C., or

2. The Board will accept written documentation from NCOPE establishing the completion of an internship. Such documentation must be submitted to the Board office directly from NCOPE.

(e) Documentation of completion of the mandatory courses.

(f) Sections 468.803(4)(a)2., (4)(b)2., (5)(a)2., and (5)(b)2., F.S., require that an applicant for examination or license must first complete a qualified experience internship or residency. Experience gained in Florida, through a residency is deemed “qualified” beginning only after the issuance date of a valid Registration to practice in Florida as a resident.

(2) In order to establish eligibility for licensure as an orthotic fitter under Section 468.803(5)(c), F.S., the applicant must provide at a minimum:

(a) A high school diploma or a certified GED certificate.

(b) Proof of successful completion of an orthotic fitter pre-certification course consisting of a minimum of 32 hours and approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Alternative orthotic fitter courses consisting of at least 32 hours may be considered by the Board when the following knowledge and skills are documented: anatomy and physiology, pathologies, biomechanics, patient assessment, treatment plans, equipment and tools, follow-up plans, and practice management.

(c) Verification of Employment Form(s) demonstrating two years supervised experience in orthotics that meets the requirements of paragraph 64B14-4.110(1)(b), F.A.C., signed by the applicant’s qualified supervisor(s).

(d) Certification of completion of an 8 hour course in casting custom-molded shoes.

(e) Documentation of completion of the mandatory courses.

(3) In order to establish eligibility for licensure as an orthotic fitter assistant under Section 468.803(5)(d), F.S., the applicant must provide at a minimum:

(a) A high school diploma or a certified GED certificate.

(b) Proof of successful completion of an orthotic fitter pre-certification course consisting of a minimum of 32 hours and approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Alternative orthotic fitter courses consisting of at least 32 hours may be considered by the Board when the following knowledge and skills are documented: anatomy and physiology, pathologies, biomechanics, patient assessment, treatment plans, equipment and tools, follow-up plans, and practice management.

(c) Certification of completion of an 8 hour course in casting custom-molded shoes.

(d) Documentation of completion of the mandatory courses.

(4) In order to establish eligibility for licensure as a pedorthist under Section 468.803(5)(e), F.S., the applicant must provide at a minimum:

(a) A high school diploma or a certified GED certificate.

(b) An original letter from the head of a training program(s) approved by the Board for Certification in Pedorthics, (BCP), or the American Board for Certification (ABC), attesting to the inclusion of training as provided in paragraph 64B14-4.110(3)(a), F.A.C.

(c) Documentation from a qualified supervisor specifying the number of hours worked.

(d) Documentation of completion of the mandatory courses.

Rulemaking Authority 468.802 FS. Law Implemented 456.013(1), (7), 456.0635, 468.803 FS. History–New 12-10-98, Amended 11-11-02, 11-1-05, 9-21-06, 4-19-09, 4-12-10, Amended 6-19-12, 11-13-12, 6-10-13, 3-5-15, 10-21-18, 4-8-21, 12-4-22.