Chapter 4755:4-1 | Licensure

Rule 4755:4-1-01 | Applications for initial licensure by examination.

• Effective: October 1, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Applications must be:

(1) Submitted electronically via the Ohio e-license system;

(2) Electronically signed via the Ohio e-license system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-66-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application.

(B) For purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant shall create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the license holder who created it. The credentials constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any person.

(C) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing will be considered to be abandoned and no further processing will be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board. An applicant may request to withdraw an application by submitting a request through eLicense Ohio.

(3) Submitted fees are neither refundable nor transferable.

(D) The applicant seeking licensure under section 4779.09 of the Revised Code must:

(1) Submit an attestation that the applicant is at least eighteen years old and meets the requirements of section 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, or 4779.13 of the Revised Code.

(2) Pass an examination approved by the board pursuant to section 4779.15 of the Revised Code.

(3) Attestation and submission of fingerprints for criminal record checks by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation (BCII) and the federal bureau of investigation (FBI), if the application is for the first issuance of a license.

(E) In addition, an application for a license to practice orthotics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of a post-graduate certificate program in orthotics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in orthotics consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in orthotics;

(4) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(F) In addition, an application for a license to practice prosthetics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of a post-graduate certificate program in prosthetics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in prosthetics consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in prosthetics;

(4) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(G) In addition, an application for a license to practice orthotics and prosthetics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A post-secondary educational credential of at least a bachelors degree;

(2) A certificate of completion of post-graduate certificate programs in prosthetics and orthotics, unless the applicant's post-secondary educational credential is a bachelors or masters degree specifically in orthotics and prosthetics;

(3) Completion of a residency program in prosthetics and orthotics, consisting of nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in prosthetics, and nineteen hundred hours supervised by a practitioner certified in orthotics;

(4) An applicant who holds a license in orthotics and successfully completes all the requirements for a license in prosthetics will be issued a new license in prosthetics-orthotics;

(5) An applicant who holds a license in prosthetics and successfully completes all the requirements for a license in orthotics will be issued a new license in prosthetics-orthotics;

(6) An applicant with an educational credential from a foreign educational institution must show educational equivalence according to rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

(H) In addition, an application for a license to practice pedorthics must document compliance with the following requirements:

(1) A high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence.

(2) A statement from the supervising pedorthist, orthotist, prosthetist, or prosthetist-orthotist that the applicant has practiced under the supervisor's oversight and direction. The statement must be provided on a form prescribed by the state board of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics which requires attestation of completion of one thousand hours of pedorthic care practice under supervision by the licensed supervisor, including at least one hundred hours devoted to each of the following five general areas of service delivery:

(a) Comprehensive assessment and evaluation of patients requiring the full spectrum of pedorthic care, including:

(i) Custom fabricated and custom fitted foot orthoses

(ii) Therapeutic/diabetic shoes, depth shoes and custom shoes

(iii) Prefabricated inserts, custom fitted, moldable and rigid

(iv) Shoe modifications

(v) Retail, non-therapeutic shoes and foot orthoses

(b) Development of a comprehensive treatment plan to provide appropriate pedorthic care.

(c) Selection of materials and components to meet the treatment plan. On-site fabrication of the device where facilities are available. Working knowledge of how various devices are fabricated if fabrication is not done at the facility.

(d) Fitting and appropriate follow-up of the pedorthic device to assure optimal fit and function of the device. This includes modifications and adjustments of the device to ensure proper and continued function and instructing patient on the use and care of the device with verbal and take-home instructions where indicated or required.

(e) Appropriate documentation of patient care and interaction, including records are accurate, current and complete, and that principles and procedures of practice management are understood.

(3) Completion of the training, education, and/or experience requirements necessary to sit for a certification in pedorthics examination in accordance with standards established by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education.

Last updated October 2, 2023 at 8:48 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.09, 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, 4779.13, 4779.15
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 1/23/2003, 11/1/2010

Rule 4755:4-1-02 | Licensure for out-of-state applicants.

• Effective: December 14, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) In accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code, an applicant who holds a license issued by another state may obtain a license to practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics in the state of Ohio if the out-of-state applicant qualifies under one of the following paths:

(1) Meets the same standard as for Ohio licensure by:

(a) Qualifying for licensure in the state of Ohio, except for the passage of the examination as required under sections 4779.09 and 4779.15 of the Revised Code; and

(b) Holding a valid license issued by the appropriate licensing entity of another state and not having a license in another state that has been revoked or is currently under suspension or probation or remains under the effect of any other current disciplinary action.

(2) Holds a substantially similar out-of-state occupational license or government certification according to division (A) of section 4796.03 of the Revised Code and the applicant:

(a) Is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds an out-of-state occupational license or government certification to practice the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying in this state; and

(b) Was required to satisfy minimum education, training, or experience requirements or pass an examination to receive the out-of-state occupational license or government certification; and

(c) Has not surrendered or had revoked a license, out-of-state occupational license, or government certification because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant's work in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying in this state; and

(d) Has not been convicted of, found guilty pursuant to a judicial finding of, or plead guilty to a criminal offense for which a licensing authority may deny an application for a license or government certification or that would otherwise disqualify the applicant for the license or government certification under the applicable law of this state governing the profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying.

(3) Holds a private certification and the applicant:

(a) Has held a private certification for at least two years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted and has been actively engaged in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity as the license or government certification for which the applicant is applying in this state in a state that does not issue an out-of-state occupational license or government certification for the respective profession, occupation, or occupational activity for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted;

(b) Is in good standing with the private organization that issued the private certification;

(c) Has not surrendered or had revoked a license, out-of-state occupational license, or government certification because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant's work in the same profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying in this state; and

(d) Has not been convicted of, found guilty pursuant to a judicial finding of, or plead guilty to a criminal offense for which a licensing authority may deny an application for a license or government certification or that would otherwise disqualify the applicant for the license or government certification under the applicable law of this state governing the profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying.

(B) Applications must be:

(1) Submitted electronically via the Ohio e-license system;

(2) Electronically signed via the Ohio e-license system;

(3) Accompanied by the fee prescribed by rule 4755-4-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(4) Accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application, including any documentation necessary to support the qualifications mentioned in this rule, and pursuant to the profession-specific requirements of paragraphs (E) to (H) of rule 4755:4-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Out-of-state residents must update the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board within thirty working days of any change in orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics employment in the state of Ohio or any change in state-of-residence or state-of-employment status.

Last updated December 17, 2023 at 10:52 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08, 4796.30
Amplifies: 4779.17, 4796.03, 4796.04
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/2013

Rule 4755:4-1-03 | Educational programs.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The board recognizes orthotics and prosthetics educational programs that are accredited by or are under a letter of review from the national commission on orthotics and prosthetic education under the auspices of the commission of accreditation of allied health educational programs or their successor organization(s); for pedorthic educational programs, the board hereby approves programs accredited by the national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education or its successor organization.

(B) The board recognizes a post-secondary educational program that complies with the requirements of section 4779.25 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board may recognize an educational program that meets these standards upon request of an officer or official of the educational program, upon request of an applicant for licensure, or upon request of any person that has a recognized interest in the fields of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.25 ; 4779.26
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 8/9/2002, 4/1/2013

Rule 4755:4-1-04 | Certificate program requirements.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

"Certificate program" as referenced in section 4779.26 of the Revised Code, means a post-graduate certificate program that meets the following requirements, as applicable:

(A) All certificate programs shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Admission standards require at least a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence issued by the state board of education;

(2) Has a written description of the program that includes learning goals, course objectives, and competencies for graduation;

(3) Requires frequent, documented evaluations of students to assess their acquisition of knowledge, problem identification and solving skills, and psychomotor, behavioral, and clinical competencies;

(4) Admits only persons who have successfully completed courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, computer science, algebra or higher math, human anatomy with a laboratory section, and physiology with a laboratory section;

(5) Requires students to complete formal instruction in biomechanics, gait analysis and pathomechanics, kinesiology, pathology, material science, research methods, and diagnostic imaging techniques;

(6) Provides for the evaluation of the program through regular, on-site visits conducted by qualified people from a nationally recognized orthotic, prosthetic, or orthotic and prosthetic certifying body.

(B) In addition, a certificate program in orthotics shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in orthotics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires students to complete not less than two hundred fifty hours of supervised clinical experience that focuses on patient-related activities, including recommendation, measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, fabrication, fitting, and evaluating patients in the use and function of orthotic systems;

(3) Requires as a condition of graduation that students demonstrate orthotic skills, including measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, and fitting and alignment of orthoses for the lower limbs, upper limbs, and spines;

(C) In addition, a certificate program in prosthetics shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in prosthetics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires students to complete not less than two hundred fifty hours of supervised clinical experience that focuses on patient-related activities, recommendation, measurement, impression-taking, model rectification, fabrication, fitting, and evaluating patients in the use and function of prosthetics;

(3) Requires as a condition of graduation that students demonstrate prosthetic skills that include measurement, impression taking, model rectification, diagnostic fitting, definitive fitting, postoperative management, external power, and static and dynamic alignment of prostheses related to various amputation levels, including partial foot, syme's below the knee, above knee, below elbow, above elbow, and the various joint disarticulations.

(D) In addition, a certificate program in orthotics and prosthetics shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides two semesters or three quarters of instruction in orthotics and two semesters or three quarters of instruction in prosthetics as defined in rule 4755:4-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Requires as a condition of graduation that students complete training in orthotic systems, including foot orthoses, ankle-foot orthoses, knee orthoses, knee-ankle-foot orthoses, hip-knee orthoses, wrist-hand orthoses, cervical-thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthoses, thoracolumbar orthoses, lumbarsacral orthoses, halo, fracture management, reciprocal gait orthoses, standing frames, and seating;

(3) Requires as a condition of graduation that students demonstrate prosthetic skills that include measurement, impression taking, model rectification, diagnostic fitting, definitive fitting, postoperative management, external power, and static and dynamic alignment of prostheses related to various amputation levels, including partial foot, syme's below the knee, above knee, below elbow, above elbows, and the various joint disarticulations.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.26
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 4/9/2007, 11/1/2008, 11/1/2010

Rule 4755:4-1-05 | Examinations.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The board recognizes the following examinations to qualify an applicant for licensure pursuant to sections 4779.09 and 4779.15 of the Revised Code.

(1) For licensure in orthotics, the orthotics written examination and the orthotics written simulation examination administered by the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABCOPP).

(2) For licensure in prosthetics, the prosthetics written examination and the prosthetics written simulation examination administered by the ABCOPP.

(3) For licensure in pedorthics, either:

(a) The certified pedorthist examination administered by the ABCOPP, or

(b) The pedorthist certification examination administered by the board of certification/accreditation formerly known as the board of orthotist/prosthetist certification.

(B) The board will accept results of examinations previously administered if other qualifications required by Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code are evident in application documentation.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, 4779.13, 4779.15
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/2016

Rule 4755:4-1-06 | Biennial renewal of license.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Renewal of an orthotics, prosthetics, orthotics-prosthetics, and pedorthics license happens in accordance with section 4779.20 of the Revised Code.

(1) The following shall be completed to satisfy the requirements of license renewal:

(a) The entire licensure renewal application, including any required forms;

(b) Compliance with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code; and

(c) Payment of the renewal fee prescribed by rule 4755-4-01 of the Administrative Code.

(2) The renewal notice will be sent to the e-mail address on file with the board.

(B) All persons licensed as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, and pedorthist shall renew their license by the thirty-first day of January in each odd-numbered year. When a license to practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist is issued by the board on or after October first of an even-numbered year, that license will be valid through the thirty-first day of January of the next odd-numbered year.

(C) Persons who fail to submit the renewal fee, completed application, any other required forms, and/or comply with the continuing education requirement specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code by the thirty-first day of January of the odd-numbered year will have their license automatically expire.

(1) A license holder whose license expires for failure to renew shall submit a reinstatement application in accordance with rule 4755:4-1-07 of the Administrative Code. The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board shall approve the reinstatement application before the person may legally practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist in Ohio.

(2) A license holder who continues to practice as an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthist with an expired license is subject to disciplinary action pursuant to section 4779.28 or 4779.99 of the Revised Code.

(D) For the purposes of filing an electronic renewal application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant shall create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the license holder who created it. The credentials shall constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.15, 4779.20, 4779.23, 4779.24, 4779.99
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 11/1/2008, 11/1/2010, 10/1/2020

Rule 4755:4-1-07 | Reinstatement of licensure.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Pursuant to rule 4755:4-1-06 of the Administrative Code the orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or pedorthics license of a person who fails to comply with the renewal requirements shall automatically expire on the thirty-first day of January of odd-numbered years.

(B) All applicants for reinstatement shall submit a completed application as specified by the joint occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board. All applications shall:

(1) Be submitted electronically via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(2) Be electronically signed via eLicense Ohio or its successor electronic licensing system;

(3) Contain the fee prescribed by rule 4755-4-01 of the Administrative Code;

(4) Be accompanied by such evidence, statements, or documents as specified on the application, including viewing any presentation required by the board; and

(5) Contain proof that the applicant met the appropriate continuing education requirement:

(a) For reinstatement applications submitted before March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours of continuing education that were required to renew the expired license. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used for the subsequent renewal of the reinstated license.

(b) For reinstatement applications submitted on or after March first of the year in which the applicant's license expired, the applicant shall complete the number of contact hours specified in rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code within the two year period immediately preceding the date the board receives the application for reinstatement. All contact hours used to reinstate the license shall be in accordance with rule 4755:4-3-01 of the Administrative Code. Contact hours used to meet the requirement of this paragraph shall not be used for the subsequent renewal of the reinstated license.

(C) In addition to the information required in paragraph (B) of this rule, the board may also require:

(1) Appearance before the section for a reinstatement interview.

(2) Taking or retaking the examination specified in Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code.

(D) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board may reinstate a license and may waive payment of late fees for reinstatement when the section determines that a person demonstrates good cause why the person was unable to submit the renewal fee by the prescribed renewal date. In no instance shall the normal renewal fee be waived.

(E) For the purposes of filing an electronic application via eLicense Ohio or its successor licensing system, the applicant will create log-in credentials. The use of these credentials is solely the responsibility of the person who created it. The credentials will constitute the legally recognized signature for the purposes of this rule and may not be transferred, distributed, or shared with any other person.

(F) Any application received in accordance with this rule that remains incomplete one year after the initial application filing will be considered to be abandoned and no further processing will be undertaken with respect to that application.

(1) If the application process extends for a period longer than one year, the board may require updated information as it deems necessary.

(2) No application for licensure may be withdrawn without approval of the board.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.15, 4779.20, 4779.23, 4779.24, 4779.99
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 11/1/2008, 10/1/2020

Rule 4755:4-1-08 | International education licensure.

• Effective: November 2, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board may consider acceptance of international educational credentials for licensure as an orthotist, prosthetist, or prosthetist-orthotist as follows:

(1) The applicant shall complete an education credentials review from an entity approved by the board to be used by the board to determine if the applicant's foreign education was substantially equivalent pursuant to section 4779.10, 4779.11, or 4779.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) The applicant shall demonstrate that the person met the requirements to practice orthotics or prosthetics in the country of education and evidence of eligible licensure and/or certification credentialing in that country.

(B) Educational evaluations reflect only the findings and conclusions of the evaluating service and are not binding upon the board.

Last updated November 4, 2024 at 8:43 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 10/1/2020

Rule 4755:4-1-09 | Unique and exceptional qualifications.

• Effective: May 27, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) "Unique and exceptional qualifications" as used in division (A) of section 4779.08 of the Revised Code means education, training, or experience that qualify a person to perform orthotic or prosthetic care outside of the traditional pathway outlined in section 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, or 4779.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) The occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers joint board will determine whether a person is uniquely and exceptionally qualified on a case-by-base basis based on the information supplied by the applicant and other information deemed relevant by the board. The joint board shall consult with a member of the orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics advisory committee in determining whether an applicant meets the unique and exceptional qualifications.

(C) Applicants may apply for licensure by unique and exceptional qualifications via one of the following paths:

(1) Experiential

(a) Applicants with at least two years within the five years before license application submission of extensive orthotic or prosthetic experience, including spending seventy-five per cent of work time providing direct patient care, in the discipline for which they have applied. Applicants must have experience doing evaluation, casting, model rectification, fitting, delivery, and follow-up of custom fabricated devices. Applicants must demonstrate proof of fifty continuing education hours within the five years prior to submission of application. The board will accept as continuing education units all courses approved by the board for orthotist/prosthetist certification (BOC), and the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABC). The board will also accept continuing education units as specified by section 4779.24 of the Revised Code; or

(b) Applicants with at least two years within the five years before license application submission of extensive orthotic and prosthetic experience, including spending seventy-five per cent of work time providing direct patient care, when applying to be a licensed prosthetist-orthotist. Applicants must have experience doing evaluation, casting, model rectification, fitting, delivery, and follow-up of custome fabricated devices. Applicants must demonstrate proof of seventy continuing education hours within the five years prior to submission of application. The board will accept as continuing education units all courses approved by the board for orthotist/prosthetist certification (BOC), and the American board for certification in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (ABC). The board will also accept continuing education units as specified by section 4779.24 of the Revised Code.

(2) Applicants who meet the academic requirements described in division (A)(3) of section 4779.10 of the Revised Code, division (A)(3) of section 4779.11 of the Revised Code, division (A)(3) of section 4779.12 of the Revised Code, or division (A)(3) of section 4779.17 of the Revised Code, but have not completed a professional clinical residency meeting national commission on orthotic and prosthetic education requirements. These applicants shall submit proof of at least two years of applicable orthotic or prosthetic experience within the five years before application that was obtained under supervision of a licensed or certified orthotist or prosthetist in the discipline for which they have applied.

(D) In addition to the requirements described in paragraph (C) of this rule, an applicant must submit:

(1) Two letters of recommendation to the board demonstrating qualifications for licensure; and

(2) Proof of current and unrestricted active certification from either BOC or ABC.

(E) Any applicant applying for licensure under paragraph (C)(2) of this rule must comply with rule 4755-63-14 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated May 28, 2024 at 8:26 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4779.08
Amplifies: 4779.08, 4779.10, 4779.11, 4779.12, 4779.17
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2028