Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

The Pennsylvania Orthotic and Prosthetic Society (POPS) applauds the General Assembly and Governor Tom Corbett for approving House Bill 48 of 2012 which became Act 90 of last session. This legislation amended the Medical Practice Act to provide for licensure of prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters in Pennsylvania. The new law sets standards of professional conduct and requires practitioners to fulfill educational and training requirements and will greatly increase the quality of care given to patients in these fields.

Unfortunately, after some time, it became clear that the new bill excluded a small but important category of Therapeutic Shoe Fitter.

All the proposed categories prosthetics, orthotics, pedorthics and orthotic fitting are too broad for that class of shoe fitter. I have a small business owner in my district who has 10 offices in Philadelphia. As a result of this bill, many people will no longer have the ability to do a job they’ve been doing successfully and professionally for years. I am certain this situation is not unique to Philadelphia – this category could affect many in this industry.

I would like to amend Act 90 by creating the following expanded definition:

1. Anyone who works with a patient has to have a High School Diploma.
2. American citizenship/legal residency is required.
3. A minimum requirement of 300 hours of SUPERVISED fitting by a Board Certified Pedorthist
4. After completion of hands-on training, a trained individual will receive a Certificate of a Therapeutic Shoe Fitter and can be allowed to do basic fitting of Diabetic Shoes (A5500) and Inserts (A5512).

There will ALSO be language that allow Pharmacies to be included as a certified fitter as well. Under this language, pharmacies and qualified pharmacists would be eligible for fitting under similar provisions. Many independently-owned Pharmacies do similar work for those in our urban and rural communities.

• Pharmacies may continue to dispense diabetic shoes with manufacturer’s training
• DME facility may continue to dispense diabetic shoes with manufacturer’s training
• Mastectomy Fitters may continue to serve breast cancer survivors

The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association was disappointed when Act 90 was signed into law in the summer of 2012 - which will prevent pharmacists from selling diabetic shoes unless the sellers are certified as specially licensed orthotic fitters. They are supportive of this language to exempt pharmacists from the extensive licensing practices provided that training and qualifications are in place.

I feel this is a simple and no-nonsense approach to help those gain qualifications to continue to work in the Commonwealth. This is a specialized field but not one that needs an elaborate amount of schooling. Just like other trade organizations, the thought is through guidance and training by a qualified supervisor, this skill can be taught.

If you have additional questions, please contact my Harrisburg office. Thank you.