Supervision requirements for: Pedorthic Candidates, C. Ped Tech (C)s and other non-certified pedorthic personnel*

*Non-certified pedorthic personnel may include: co-op students, office assistants or any individual that is providing services related to pedorthics on behalf of or as a result of working with a C. Ped (C) or C. Ped MC.

The following document outlines the supervisory relationship and responsibility of C. Ped (C)s and C. Ped MCs overseeing Pedorthic Candidates, C. Ped Tech (C)s and other non-certified pedorthic personnel who interact with patients.

It is a tool to be used by a C. Ped (C) to determine what level of supervision they are required to provide to personnel who interact with their patients.

The CPC supports the training of Pedorthic Candidates seeking certification as a C. Ped (C). The CPC also acknowledges the need to supervise and interact with other “non-certified pedorthic personnel” in the delivery of pedorthic services to enhance the effectiveness of fabrication, modification and overall pedorthic treatment.

Pedorthic Candidates working towards C. Ped (C) certification have a requirement to fulfill work experience hours supervised by a C. Ped (C) or C. Ped MC (a “supervisor”). Appropriate supervision is crucial to ensure the execution of best practices for patient care. The supervisor of the Pedorthic Candidate must provide supervision that meets the following criteria:

• A supervisor must have at least 3 years of experience working as a C. Ped (C)
• A supervisor may only supervise up to 2 candidates at a given time
• The supervisor must provide direct or indirect supervision of all work completed by the candidate in compliance with the supervision chart below
• A supervisor must review, discuss and confirm the appropriateness of work performed by the candidate
• The supervisor must co-sign all written documentation by the candidate including both in clinic chart notes and any external correspondence to referring parties or agencies

C. Ped (C)s and C. Ped MCs are ultimately responsible for all work completed by non-certified pedorthic personnel. In the event of a complaint or clinical problem identified with non-certified pedorthic personnel, the CPC will investigate the supervising certified registrant as they are identified as having ultimate responsibility for patient care.

Definitions:

• Direct Supervision: A C. Ped (C) is in the same room as the Pedorthic Candidate, C. Ped Tech (C) or non-certified pedorthic personnel, while they perform the duty. The supervisor must personally review the assessment and care rendered before any treatment is to proceed.
• Indirect Supervision: The Pedorthic Candidate, C. Ped Tech (C) or non-certified pedorthic personnel, is qualified to provide patient care under the guidance of a C. Ped (C) in good standing. The supervisor must personally review the assessment and care rendered before any treatment is to proceed. The supervisor must be available for consultation throughout the delivery of care.

*Direct/Indirect Supervision: Level of supervision to be determined by the supervising C. Ped (C) and shall be either direct or indirect supervision based on the Pedorthic candidate’s current competency.

For information on Scope of Practice, click HERE.