AOBTA® National Board Report on the Certification Issue

AOBTA® National Board Report on the “Certification” Issue

August 30, 2007

Presented at the AOBTA Membership Meeting during the Boston Convention

Update

Some time ago, it was suggested that the AOBTA consider changing the use of the term “certified” in its “Certified Practitioner” membership title. We have invited members to respond with their comments and concerns regarding this issue. Some of you have responded with emails, phone calls and in person at meetings. Some of you have voiced your concerns at last year’s convention and some of you have submitted articles for AOBTA® Pulse. We thank you for all the input that has been offered.

Throughout this debate, there has been a passionate exchange of ideas about what is the right thing to do. When discerning the right course of action on such an issue, we all must give careful reflection to many points of view on the matter. The national board has also sought the guidance and expertise of specialists in the field of certification. At this time, we would like to clarify a few essential points and suggest a new direction.

First, the suggestion for this title change was originally put forth due to the assertion that it is not legal or ethical for the AOBTA to claim to certify practitioners without the use of a certifying exam or a certification as a certifying agency.

The national board has consulted with lawyers and certification specialists, including a consultant with National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), to clarify what is legally and ethically appropriate.  The AOBTA offers what is recognized as an “assessment-based certification,” which is both a legally and ethically accepted form of certification.

Second, it has been suggested that the AOBTA national board is advocating for a change in the title, “Certified Practitioner,” to urge more members to take the NCCAOM exam.

This is simply not true.  The members of the AOBTA national board share a diversity of viewpoints on both the NCCOAM exam and the proposal to change the “Certified Practitioner” title. Board members have been working steadily to gather information and perspectives from specialists and the membership on this issue without any bias. Our duty is to represent and consider the concerns of the membership we serve.

Third, there has been concern that the AOBTA national board is going to implement this change on its own against the wishes of the membership on this issue.

Again, this is simply not true nor is it even possible. To make a change to the title, “Certified Practitioner,” it would require an amendment to our bylaws which requires a membership vote. The membership would ultimately decide the outcome of such a proposal.

Finally, the majority of membership concern has been that if the AOBTA alters its ability and right to certify practitioners, including the use of the term “certified,” it will undermine our governance of the profession and decrease the value of an AOBTA membership.

The members of the national board recognize this to be an important and valid concern. After carefully examining the perspectives of our membership and the advice of specialists in the field of certification, we are recommending discontinuing the proposal to change the title “Certified Practitioner.” Instead,
we are recommending a new path altogether.

A New Path

Our research findings at this time are suggesting that we will best serve the growth and influence of our organization by building on our existing certification processes. It is recommended that we strengthen our certification policies and procedures to further increase its value across the country. The benefits for moving in this direction are many. It will enable us to continue setting the benchmarks for excellence in education, research, and professional practice. It will increase our legislative leverage when protecting our right to practice. It will safeguard our autonomy as an independent profession and evolve the credibility of our organization to the benefit of our members.

What our membership is looking for is a professional credential that:

- honors our educational achievements;

- serves the promotion of our professional practices in the marketplace;

- distinguishes our profession from other healing professions;

- commands the respect of other health care professionals;

- gives us legislative leverage and enables us to protect our scope of practice and our right to practice.

We believe it is absolutely critical that the members and the leaders of the AOBTA work passionately and cooperatively to create a certification program with national brand recognition. In support of this effort, the AOBTA national board members are recommending to the membership the following plan of action:

1. Keep “Certified Practitioner” and “Certified Instructor” titles in place.

1. Continue to defend the use of the word “certified” as legally and ethically defensible terminology for our organization.

1. Appoint a Certification Committee to accomplish the following:
   1. Review and refine our certification policies and procedures for practitioners, instructors and schools.
   2. Research National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) certification processes.
   3. Research the expertise of top consultants in the field of certification standards and procedures.

Respectfully submitted,

AOBTA National Board of Directors