STATE LICENSURE EFFECTIVE TODAY!!!

The increasing population of elderly and physically challenged individuals who need orthotic and prosthetic services requires that the orthotic and prosthetic professions be regulated to ensure the provision of high quality services and devices. The people of this state deserve the best care available and will benefit from the assurance of initial and ongoing professional competence of the orthotists and prosthetists practicing in this state. The practice of orthotics and prosthetics serves to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to resume productive lives following serious illness, injury, or trauma. Unregulated dispensing of orthotic and prosthetic care does not adequately meet the needs or serve the interests of the public. In keeping with requirements imposed on similar health disciplines, licensure of the orthotic and prosthetic professions will help ensure the health and safety of consumers, as well as maximize their functional abilities and productivity levels.

Why do we need licensure?
Orthotic and prosthetic practitioners have the ability to profoundly impact the quality of life of the patients they serve, both for the good, and potentially for the bad. Requiring a license provides the residents of the state of Georgia with recourse if they are harmed by an irresponsible practitioner or incompetently fitted device.


How do you find a licensed practitioner?
If you are currently seeing a prosthetist or orthotist, ask to see their state license. For a link to a complete searchable directory of licensed practitioners, please visit www.GSOP.net.


What if I suspect a practitioner is unlicensed?
It is mandatory since July 1, 2007 that anyone who is working in orthotics and prosthetics in the State of Georgia be licensed. The Composite State Board of Medical Examiners is the governing body which will administer the law and provide licenses. Anyone suspected of breaking the law should be reported to the GSOP or the State Attorney General’s office.