The proposed rule amendments are intended to update the rule language for requirements for orthotic fitter, orthotic fitter assistant and pedorthist licensure.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B14-4.110Requirements for Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Fitter Assistant and Pedorthist Licensure

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendments are intended to update the rule language for requirements for orthotic fitter, orthotic fitter assistant and pedorthist licensure.

SUMMARY: To update rule language.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board concluded that this rule change will not have any impact on licensees and their businesses or the businesses that employ them. The rule will not increase any fees, business costs, personnel costs, will not decrease profit opportunities, and will not require any specialized knowledge to comply. This change will not increase any direct or indirect regulatory costs. Hence, the Board determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 468.802, 468.803 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 468.803 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Janet Hartman, Executive Director, Board of Orthotists & Prosthetists, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3258.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B14-4.110 Requirements for Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Fitter Assistant and Pedorthist Licensure.

(1) Requirements for Licensure as an Orthotic Fitter. The applicant must demonstrate:

(a) 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 Successful completion of the 32-hour Trulife Healthcare or the 32-hour Surgical Appliance Industries orthotics course and examination,.and

(b) Ccompletion of an approved eight hour course in custom-molded shoes. (b)Two years experience in orthotics under the direct supervision of a Florida licensed orthotist. Candidates licensed by the Board as an orthotic fitter assistant may earn the two years of experience under the direct supervision of a Florida licensed orthotic fitter. Experience in orthotics earned outside of Florida may also be earned under the direct supervision of an ABC certified orthotist. This paragraph shall not be construed to authorize any person to supervise, assist or engage in the unlicensed practice of orthotics, prosthetics or pedorthics. The education required by paragraph (1)(a), above, shall be completed prior to earning the experience required by this paragraph, except that the required custom molded shoe course may be completed no less than one year prior to the end of the two year period of orthotics experience the applicant relies on to qualify for licensure. This paragraph shall not be construed to authorize any person licensed by the Board to practice beyond the scope of their license, unless supervised pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 468 Part XIV, F.S., and rules of the Board.

(c) No change.

(2) Requirements for Licensure as an Orthotic Fitter Assistant. The applicant must demonstrate successful completion of the 32-hour Trulife Healthcare or the 32-hour Surgical Appliance Industries orthotics course and examination,

(a) 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.

(b) Ddocumentation of completion of the mandatory courses, and

(c) Ccompletion of an approved eight hour course in custom-molded shoes.  

(3) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 468.802, 468.803 FS. Law Implemented 468.803 FS. History–New 11-1-99, Amended 1-16-06, 9-21-06, 8-13-08, 4-12-10,                       .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Orthotists & Prosthetists

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Orthotists & Prosthetists

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 23, 2020

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 6, 2021