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Iowa Becomes 15th State to Pass O&P State Licensure

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed SF364, Iowa State Licensure for Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists on April 27th, 2012, making Iowa the fifteenth state to begin regulating and licensing O&P professionals on the state level. The legislation becomes active July 1st, 2012. State licensure of O&P professionals is key to the state of Iowa providing consistent, high-quality care to patients and rooting out fraud and abuse within state Medicaid programs by moving toward only reimbursing licensed providers in the state. With an ever increasing number of elderly and physically impaired Iowans needing orthotic and prosthetic services, the legislation seeks to accomplish four main goals:
1. Reduce instances of malpractice, Medicaid fraud and abuse
2. Add a measure of protection and security for Iowans
3. Standardize regulations for training and continuing education
4. Achieve consistently higher quality service across all licensed disciplines

The Iowa Prosthetic, Orthotic and Pedorthic Association (IPOPA) was supportive throughout the process and actively engaged in the passage of SF364. IPOPA hired a lobbyist, who was supported by past President Rod Cheney, Ryan Ball from OPGA Government Relations and others in working with members in both the House and Senate to ensure passage of the bill in 2012. In order to gain passage, licensing of O&P professionals will be combined with the Iowa Board of Podiatry, which will add two new O&P members, making a nine person board. The bill exempts over-the-counter orthotics and does not impact the scope of practice of any other providers that are licensed by the state. MORE

Ryan Ball
OPGA Government Relations
319-236-6868 ~ 319-610-2634
[E-mail Address Removed]
https://opga.wordpress.com/