Ohio Administrative Code Title 4779 - State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
Overview: Ohio Administrative Code Title 4779 - State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
The Ohio Administrative Code Title 4779 regulates the State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics, the licensing and regulatory body overseeing practitioners who provide orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic services in Ohio. This title sets forth requirements for licensure, practice standards, disciplinary actions, continuing education, and ethical obligations.
Orthotists design and fit orthopedic braces; prosthetists provide artificial limbs; pedorthists focus on footwear modifications to alleviate foot problems. The board’s purpose is to ensure practitioners meet minimum standards to protect public health and safety.
Key Areas Covered in Title 4779
Definitions and Scope of Practice
Clear definitions for “orthotics,” “prosthetics,” “pedorthics,” and related terms.
Scope of practice for licensed professionals.
Licensing Requirements
Qualifications needed to obtain licensure, including education, examinations, and experience.
Application procedures and fees.
Temporary licenses and reciprocity provisions.
Practice Standards and Code of Conduct
Ethical standards, recordkeeping, patient care standards.
Advertising rules and professional responsibilities.
Continuing Education
Requirements for maintaining licensure through ongoing education.
Approved programs and reporting.
Disciplinary Procedures
Grounds for disciplinary actions such as fraud, negligence, or criminal convictions.
Procedures for investigations, hearings, sanctions, and appeals.
Board Administration
Board member appointments, meetings, and rulemaking authority.
Detailed Explanation of Select Provisions
1. Licensing Requirements (OAC 4779-xx)
Education and Training: Applicants must have completed an accredited program in orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.
Examinations: Successful passage of national certification exams (such as those administered by the Board of Certification/Accreditation).
Experience: Minimum required supervised clinical experience.
Application: Submission of documentation and payment of fees.
Relevant Case Law:
State ex rel. Orthotic Assoc. v. Ohio Bd. of Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics, 94 Ohio App.3d 250 (1994):
Upheld the board’s authority to set licensing standards as a valid exercise of its regulatory powers.
Affirmed the importance of licensing in protecting public safety.
2. Scope of Practice and Professional Conduct (OAC 4779-xx)
Scope: Licensees may design, fabricate, fit, and adjust orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic devices.
Conduct: Requires adherence to ethical standards including honesty, patient confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Recordkeeping: Practitioners must maintain accurate patient records for a prescribed period.
Relevant Case Law:
Doe v. Ohio State Board of Orthotics, 65 Ohio App.3d 345 (1989):
The court upheld disciplinary action against a licensee for violating ethical standards.
Reinforced the board’s authority to enforce professional conduct to ensure patient safety.
3. Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions (OAC 4779-xx)
Grounds for Discipline: Includes fraud, incompetence, substance abuse, criminal activity related to practice.
Process: Investigation by the board, notice to licensee, opportunity for hearing.
Sanctions: Range from reprimands to license suspension or revocation.
Relevant Case Law:
State ex rel. Nelson v. Ohio State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics, 110 Ohio St.3d 328 (2006):
Confirmed the board’s authority to revoke licenses for violations of professional standards.
Emphasized due process protections during disciplinary proceedings.
4. Continuing Education Requirements (OAC 4779-xx)
Licensees must complete a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) during each renewal cycle.
Approved education includes seminars, workshops, or courses relevant to orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.
Failure to comply may result in non-renewal or disciplinary action.
Summary of Legal Principles
The State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics is empowered by the Ohio Revised Code and enforced through OAC Title 4779 to regulate licensure, practice, and discipline in these healthcare professions.
Licensing standards protect public health by ensuring practitioners meet minimum education, training, and ethical requirements.
The board’s disciplinary authority balances public protection with licensee due process rights.
Courts consistently uphold the board’s regulatory power provided it follows fair procedures.
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