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CERT UPDATE A PUBLICATION FROM THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION SUMMER 2024 BOC Data: The Backbone of AT Certification 2 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2024 ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION Comparative Matrix Shows Value APPLYREGISTERSCHEDULEEXAMRESULTS SEPT * Now-8/15 (5 p.m. CT) 8/16 (9 a.m. CT)- 9/3 (5 p.m. CT) 9/11^-9/26 (11:59 p.m. ET) 9/20-9/2910/28-11/11 *BOC reserves the right to make changes as needed ^Approximate date of when scheduling email will be received from Meazure Learning ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY 2024 September Exam Deadlines The most common questions the BOC receives about the Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) relates to the value of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification. In the FAQ below, we answer important questions about the Orthopedic Specialty Certification and the BCS-O credential. HOW DOES THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL COMPARE TO OTHER REQUIRED CREDENTIALS? Since the launch of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification, we are starting to see the BCS-O credential being accepted in place of other required credentials for certain positions and roles, such as assisting in the operating room or scrub privileges. We have also seen Athletic Trainers (ATs) with the credential being promoted within their field. To further spread awareness about the value of the Orthopedic Specialty Certification, the BOC developed a Comparative Matrix to compare the BCS-O credential to other orthopedic-related credentials available to ATs. This resource takes a closer look at the eligibility requirements for the exam, credential maintenance requirements and practice domains between the BCS-O credential and other credentials. Use the Comparative Matrix to help determine whether the BCS-O is right for you. HOW WILL EARNING THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL ENHANCE MY CAREER? Being a BCS-O credential holder demonstrates to the public and employers, ATs who have acquired specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC ® credential. As a BCS-O credential holder, ATs will be better positioned to practice within the orthopedic field where they are highly valued by employers for increasing throughput, serving as an extension of the physician, connecting systems to create efficiency and building patient relationships. This is the only board-certified orthopedic specialty for ATs with advanced knowledge, skills and experience in orthopedics. It’s a major step on a pathway toward improved working conditions, compensation, advancement and respect in the health care community. For ATs, this means a viable, long-term career filled with opportunities to distinguish themselves in the delivery of patient care and earning recognition and respect for the experience, focus and skills they demonstrate. To learn more, visit the BOC website and view the BOC Orthopedic Specialty Certification eligibility requirements. HOW WILL THE BCS-O CREDENTIAL IMPACT MY SALARY AND ABILITY TO GAIN INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT? In other health care professions, such as physical therapy, nursing and pharmacy, those practitioners with a specialty certification earn more. We anticipate this pattern to hold true for those who earn the BCS-O credential. Of course, salaries are established by employers and are correlated to the value you bring to the practice. Below are a few resources of the other health care professions who have indicated as such: White paper: value of specialty certification in pharmacy Employer View of Specialist Certification Impact of Nursing Certification on nurses, healthcare employers and patients Each insurer and facility will have their own policies and procedures regarding billing and reimbursement. This National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) news article describes how direct revenue is possible with the addition of an assistant at surgery (AS) modifier to the surgical CPT code when seeking reimbursement for the AT who is acting as an AS. The NATA has been active in gaining third party reimbursement for ATs. Please visit the NATA website for more information. The orthopedic specialty exam takes place twice yearly, first in February, and the second offering in September to align with the completion dates of orthopedic residency programs. To find out more about eligibility pathways and requirements, visit the Orthopedic Specialty section of our website. In addition, you can opt-in to receive updates on specialties through your preferences in BOC profile. NO APPLICATION FEE FOR SEPTEMBER EXAM SUMMER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 3 INSIDE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 BOC Board Officers 3 Letter from the President 4 The BOC Seeks Candidate for its Board of Directors 5 BOC CONNECTION Orthopedic Specialty Certification - Comparative Matrix Shows Value 2 Orthopedic Specialty - 2024 Exam Deadlines 2 2024 BOC Maintenance Fee - Due December 31, 2024 5 Cover Article: BOC Data: The Backbone of AT Certification 6 IDEAS Climate Survey Measures AT Workplace Gaps 8 Cultural Sensitivity Panel Conducts Review of BOC Exam 9 Each BOC Volunteer Makes an Impact 10 Pathfinder Pilot Nears Half-Year Mark 11 Featured BOC Approved Provider 16 New Approved Providers 16 INDUSTRY NEWS Parenting and the Profession: Strategies to Make it Work 12 In-Depth Look: Athletic Trainer for U.S. Gymnastics Men’s National Team 14 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND STATE REGULATION Legislative News 21 Professional Practice and Discipline 22 BOC CORNER BOC Committee Spotlight 17 BOC News in Brief 18 The BOC Mourns the Passing of Bradley J. Sherman 20 BOC Holiday Closures 23 NATA NEWS Latest News and Updates from NATA 19 CANDIDATES Athletic Trainer Certification - 2024 Exam Deadlines 23 2024 BOARD OFFICERS President/Athletic Trainer Director René Revis Shingles, PhD, AT, ATC Vice President/Athletic Trainer Director Chris Ashton, MS, LAT, ATC Athletic Trainer Director Christina Chapski, EdD, AT, ATC Corporate/Educational Director Brian Conway, LAT, ATC Public Director Robin Jenkins, MSW, DCSW, CPM, ICE-CCP, CAE Athletic Trainer Director Jeremy Marra, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES Athletic Trainer Director Lynne-Marie Young, MEd, LAT, ATC Athletic Trainer Director Appointee Bonnie Van Lunen, PhD, ATC, FNATA, FNAP Chief Executive Officer Anne Minton, MBA, ICE-CCP4 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2024 As we embark on another pivotal year in our journey to advance the standards and excellence in our profession, I am pleased to announce the BOC Board of Directors recently finalized a new three-year Strategic Plan to guide the organization through 2026. Our plan outlines the BOC’s six different strategic priorities and overarching objectives for each. As the BOC board, volunteers and staff work together to achieve our goals, the plan will define our direction. Looking forward, our organization is committed to executing the priorities outlined in our new Strategic Plan. With a focus on innovation, collaboration and inclusivity, we aim to continually elevate the standards of credentialing excellence globally. By fostering partnerships and harnessing collective expertise, we will drive positive change and empower Athletic Trainers (ATs) to excel in their respective settings. In our dynamic landscape, the importance of leveraging our robust supply of credential holder data to track trends cannot be overstated. The insights we gather from each AT guide us toward informed decision-making and implementation of supportive programs and services. For example, certificant statistics from our BOC attrition survey have helped us verify growth in the profession is positively trending. Tracking exam results, credentialing patterns, employment data, demographics and emerging trends enables us to anticipate the evolving needs of our profession. Through data analysis, we can address current challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities most effectively. By doing so, we ensure our credentialing processes remain agile and relevant in an ever-changing health care landscape. In addition to using our robust data pool, the BOC shares statistics with our Strategic Alliance partners to support their work to enhance the profession. Central to our mission is the cultivation of a strong volunteer core which mirrors the diversity and vibrancy of our profession. We analyze demographic statistics of the full AT population and create targeted recruiting strategies to proactively align representation. Volunteers serve as the lifeblood of our organization, lending their time, expertise and passion to further our collective goals. Their invaluable perspectives and contributions enable us to support, advocate for, and give back to our candidates and credential holders, and the broader health care community. The BOC works to enhance the development of each volunteer. Opportunities provide pathways to develop AT careers and experiences within the profession. The volunteer voice for all organizations aligned with our profession is important and indispensable. Our collective voice brings depth to discussions, ensures representation across diverse perspectives, and infuses initiatives with authenticity and relevance. As we navigate the complexities of the athletic training profession, I encourage ATs to be active in the BOC or one or more of our allied organizations. I am a 35+ year member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and encourage others to join or renew. I have been on committees and the Board of Directors for the Research and Education Foundation, and have participated in the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training endeavors. Each organization has a critical role in the profession. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to acknowledge a significant milestone for our esteemed CEO Anne Minton who marked her 25th anniversary with the BOC late last year. Her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment and boundless passion have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our organization. Under her guidance, we have achieved remarkable milestones and solidified our position as a global leader in health care credentialing. Thank you and congratulations Anne. In closing, I am inspired by the collective dedication and resilience of our stakeholders, volunteers and staff. Together, we have the power to push the boundaries of excellence, forge new pathways of collaboration and champion the values which define us as an organization. With deep appreciation, René Revis Shingles LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT René Revis Shingles, PhD, AT, ATCThe BOC Seeks Candidate for its Board of Directors The BOC is accepting applications for a new Athletic Trainer director to serve on the BOC Board of Directors beginning in 2026, following a year of mentorship. All application materials are due by June 30. If you are interested in submitting your name as a potential candidate, please visit the BOC website for the application and appointment guidelines. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Miranda Newell at mirandan@bocatc.org. 2024 BOC Maintenance Fee Due December 31, 2024 The 2024 BOC fee is available to pay on your BOC profile under “My To Do List, and is due by Dec. 31, 2024. Make sure your email address is current so as not to miss invoices and email reminders! Being a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is encouraged. One of the many NATA benefits is a discount on BOC maintenance fees. To receive your discount, simply make sure your NATA membership is current and correctly entered on your BOC profile. We also offer an option for employers to pay for multiple AT certification maintenance fees. Reach out to the BOC at CE@bocatc.org for more information. NATA MEMBER FeeDeadline to Pay FeeIf Not Paid by Deadline $502024 FeeDec. 31, 2024Remain certified and must pay $50 fee plus a $20 late fee by Dec. 31, 2025. NON-MEMBER FeeDeadline to Pay FeeIf Not Paid by Deadline $65 2024 FeeDec. 31, 2024Remain certified and must pay $65 fee plus a $20 late fee by Dec. 31, 2025. SUMMER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 5The value of BOC certification extends far beyond helping Athletic Trainers (ATs) earn and maintain certification. At the BOC, data serves as the backbone for informed decision-making, strategic planning and ultimately improving patient outcomes through the strengthening of the ATC ® credential. In the dynamic landscape of health care, the BOC strives to be the lead contributor of AT data with efforts to help others understand the athletic training profession and influence support. As the credentialing organization for the athletic training profession, the BOC is the premier AT data source. The BOC plays a pivotal role by collecting, packaging and sharing comprehensive data in several ways, informing credential holders, strategic partners and allied organizations. As we look to the future, harnessing the power of data will continue to be essential in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the athletic training profession. Today, we will discuss the data resources available at the BOC. MEETING NEEDS OF THE AT POPULATION Following the completion of each certification maintenance reporting period, the BOC pulls data to develop a comprehensive BOC Certified AT Demographics report outlining the following characteristics: age, sex, gender, years certified, race/ethnicity, practice setting and location. This report allows the BOC and stakeholders to view patterns related to the AT population. To gather a broader perspective and be able to better serve the individualized needs of ATs, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy (IDEAS) Committee expanded demographic fields within BOC profiles for ATs in 2022. This refined data has enabled the BOC to assess issues around diversity within the athletic training profession, related to everything from exam administration to certification renewal with a clearer view of the characteristics that impact ATs, allowing us to better meet needs. Data is continually assessed to identify shifts in demographics that may impact programs and processes at the BOC, and within the athletic training profession. The BOC tracks representation among the pool of more than 500 volunteers. We have implemented recruitment and outreach processes to align this group as closely as possible with our overall demographic profile to ensure volunteers are representative of the AT population. CERTIFICATION DATA PROVIDES KEY MARKET INSIGHTS Certification numbers, as well as historical insights, are integrated into the BOC Annual Report to provide a snapshot in time of data and achievements. In addition, this new data is used to project trends and shape programs and services to support an ever-changing AT profile and patterns of certification maintenance. Once the certification maintenance period is closed, the BOC reaches out to anyone who did not recertify to gather data about attrition. Valuable information gathered helps the BOC assess qualitative and quantitative data to pinpoint patterns surrounding attrition. BOC Data: The Backbone of AT Certification 6 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2024Additionally, certification numbers are shared with our strategic partners. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) uses information supplied by the BOC to develop their State of Athletic Training Official Statement released in the second quarter of the year following the AT certification maintenance deadline. This valuable report analyzes the BOC data, as well as other market information, to map out trends related to supply/demand for ATs and salary growth. Sections included in this report are: • The State of Employment for Athletic Training • The AT Employment Market Today • The AT Employment Market of Tomorrow • What Employers Need to Know To Recruit ATs BOC EXAM RESULTS TRANSPARENCY The BOC administers the BOC AT Certification Exam five times a year (February, April, June, August and October). Statistical reports are generated from each exam form and testing window, tracking results from both first-time and retake exam takers. The BOC AT Certification Exam is a high-stakes exam and the accuracy of results is of the utmost importance in awarding this credential, as well as vital to the safety of the patients to whom ATs render care. As an accredited credentialing organization, the BOC is required to continually validate exam performance and scoring using statistics to drive that validation process. In addition, the BOC can track any performance trends, which is critical. The validity of the certification exam depends on a quality testing process which includes ongoing data analysis. The full BOC exam process is specifically outlined and consistently implemented to ensure validity – both before and after administration. The ATC ® credential program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and all exam policies and procedures align with NCCA Standards. Each year an Annual Exam Report is developed and released with appropriate data and statistics outlined for transparency. In addition, archived reports can be accessed. DRIVING INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE There are many benefits of leveraging robust datasets to drive programs and services and enhance the AT experience. Data is the backbone of the BOC’s daily work, including housing accurate information on individual credential holders. Through details such as demographics, exam information, licensure, practice settings, continuing education and more, the BOC can construct not only a comprehensive profile for each credential holder but also use the data to consistently track larger trends and forecast movements that are impacting the profession. Beyond its immediate utility, the strength of data collected by the BOC and advanced analytics lies in its potential to drive innovation and excellence within the athletic training profession by uncovering actionable insights that fuel continuous enhancements. For instance, it helps to identify emerging needs within the profession and anticipate future demand for specific specialties and micro- credentials to address critical gaps in care delivery and to ensure sustainability and the ability to respond to evolving health care challenges. Data is a key component in developing short-term and long-term projections and plans. The BOC Board of Directors recently released its’ three-year BOC Strategic Plan. Priorities and specific action items in the plan were developed based on data trends as well as forecasted social trends identified by the BOC’s Foresight Champions Task Force. SUMMER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 78 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2024 IDEAS Climate Survey Measures AT Workplace Gaps During the second half of 2023, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies (IDEAS) Committee facilitated the IDEAS Climate Survey. This study was designed to provide an overview touchpoint of the current workplace climate related to diversity, equity, inclusion and advocacy within the athletic training profession related to patient care and the work environment. The survey targeted Athletic Trainers (ATs) with feedback intended to identify potential gaps in training and resources related to IDEAS overall. Survey questions were focused on the following areas: • Workplace Climate • Barriers • Educational Needs ATs from a broad representation of practice settings responded to the survey, with the following groups representing the highest numbers: Employment SettingsPercentage Secondary School ATs32% University/College/JC – AT16% Clinical Hospital AT 14% University/College/JC – Educator 9% Responses to survey questions showed trends related to workplace issues around equity and microaggressions/ harassment, as well as ability to provide optimum care to patients. Overall, results denoted that ATs face some issues at work relating to equity and harassment and are looking to feel prepared to handle such situations. Regarding patient care, ATs appear open to additional education to improve their ability to meet patient-specific needs and achieve optimum care. Key Takeaways More than 70% of ATs feel their patients ALWAYS have equitable access to services Slightly more than 50% of ATs feel they ALWAYS have equity within the workplace Nearly 60% of ATs feel they are ALWAYS prepared to handle microaggressions and/or harassment in the workplace • Nearly 90% of ATs say they had attended workplace training • Topics covered diversity, gender, LGBTQIA+ and race/ethnicity Nearly half of ATs say they SOMETIMES face barriers in their ability to advocate for patients, themselves and colleagues, while nearly half say they NEVER do. ATs feel most prepared to advocate for patients who are/have: Patient PopulationPercentage Spiritual beliefs other than own 83% BIPOC 83% LGBQIA+ 76% Physical Disability67% Socio-economic status/food insecurity65% Transgender and/or non-binary60% Highest-rated topics for desired additional education: Patient PopulationPercentage Serious and persistent mental illness63% History of trauma 61% Intellectual/neurocognitive disability 61% Autism spectrum disorder57% Foster care of homelessness57% Substance abuse disorder55% The results of this study were passed on to BOC Approved Providers for use, as applicable, in the development of education programs. SUMMER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 9 Cultural Sensitivity Panel Conducts Review of BOC Exam One of the 2023 achievements for the BOC was to facilitate a cultural sensitivity review to ensure fairness of the BOC exam to the extent possible. This process is completed approximately every five years, but a recommendation by the BOC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies (IDEAS) Committee prompted this most recent undertaking of a cultural sensitivity review of the certification exam for Athletic Trainers (ATs) to ensure exam content is appropriate and fair for all candidates, regardless of their background. The primary purpose of the cultural sensitivity review was to eliminate content issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, language, age and/or other factors not pertinent to the assessment. Items that are culturally sensitive use language that is fair for all candidates, regardless of their personal characteristics, and do not impede any group of candidates from demonstrating their knowledge of athletic training principles. Items that exhibit bias can provide an advantage or disadvantage to certain groups. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY REVIEW To facilitate this review, the BOC recruited a diverse and expert panel of ATs to conduct a systematic review of the examination forms to be used during the 2024 testing year. Their goal, following review was to suggest revisions to address any specific issues found and make recommended changes to the BOC Exam Style Guide that is used to ensure editorial consistency and to carry out recommendations related to inclusion, diversity and equity. The panel meeting held September 22 and 23, 2023, at BOC headquarters was facilitated by James P. Henderson, Ph.D., of Credentialing Examination Consulting, LLC, with support from BOC Director of Psychometrics and Examinations Ian Hembry, Ph.D. and BOC Exam Development Manager Nathan Burns, MS, ATC. REVIEW PROCESS After an initial overview of the purpose and process of the meeting, each panelist answered 250 questions from the full BOC exam without the answer key so they could experience the items from the perspective of candidates and engage in the logical processes involved in selecting responses. For security purposes, panelists used BOC-owned computers. After panelists completed the exam, there was a training session on the threat to validity posed by culturally insensitive and biased test content. A meeting booklet prepared and distributed to panelists in advance of the meeting provided a written explanation of key concepts related to the exam and the cultural sensitivity review. A guided discussion addressed these key concepts, which included a definition for and consequences of item bias, as well as potentially biasing content to look for when reviewing items. Panelists worked in pairs to conduct their reviews and record observations guided by detailed considerations. Once the pairs had completed reviews and recorded observations, the full group reconvened to review identified issues, determine if change was necessary and recommend solutions during an item-by-item discussion. Every question that any of the pairs had made a note about was displayed for the whole panel and discussed, with recommendations documented for the BOC Exam Style Guide. Panelists identified changes to be implemented in less than 10% of the 250 questions they reviewed, about half the number of issues found in the prior sensitivity review. Recommendations were integrated into the BOC Exam Style Guide so future forms of the test will include content that is not biased among the cultural dimensions of concern.Next >