Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners - Newark, NJ

About the Orthotics and Prosthetics Board

The Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners, located at 124 Halsey Street in Newark, is the state regulatory body overseeing the design, fabrication, and fitting of orthopedic braces (orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses). Operating under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the Board's primary mission is to protect patients who rely on these critical medical devices for mobility and function. By establishing strict standards of practice, the Board ensures that only qualified and competent professionals provide care to New Jersey residents, particularly the elderly, veterans, and those with disabilities.

Licensing and Certification

The Board manages the licensure for several distinct professions within the field. The Newark office processes applications and renewals for:

• Licensed Prosthetist-Orthotist (LPO): Professionals dual-credentialed to provide both limb and brace care.
• Licensed Orthotist (LO) and Licensed Prosthetist (LP): Specialists in either discipline.
• Prosthetist/Orthotist Assistants: Support staff working under supervision.
• Pedorthists: Specialists in foot orthotics and footwear modifications.

Applicants must demonstrate completion of an accredited educational program (often a Master's degree for modern practitioners), completion of a clinical residency, and passing scores on examinations administered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC).

Public Safety and Enforcement

Given the medical nature of the field, the Board enforces rigorous ethical and safety codes. It investigates complaints regarding:

• Unlicensed Practice: Ensuring that fittings are not performed by unqualified sales representatives or untrained staff.
• Professional Misconduct: Addressing issues of negligence, fraud, or billing abuse.
• Standard of Care: Verifying that devices are custom-fabricated and fitted according to medical prescriptions and industry standards.

Contact and Access

The Board meets regularly to review credentials and disciplinary matters. While the physical office at 124 Halsey Street serves as the administrative headquarters, most interactions for licensees—such as license renewals and address changes—are handled through the online consumer affairs portal. Patients wishing to file a formal complaint can do so via the Board's website or by contacting the Newark office directly. Visitors to the building are subject to security screening.