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CERT UPDATE A PUBLICATION FROM THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION WINTER 2024 CE Categories: Pathways to Success THE INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT For The Athletic Training and Therapy Profession 2019 • Honored Denise Fandel who retired after 22 years of service as the BOC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) • The BOC Board of Directors hired new CEO Anne Minton • Developed the first Competency Assessment Module (mental health) – piloted in 2020 • BOC marks 56,000+ Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) 2020 • The Denise Fandel Award of Excellence established by BOC Board of Directors to recognize individuals or groups who have demonstrated excellence in mentoring and fostering growth to members of the athletic training community through a visionary and selfless approach • Completed “BOC Orthopedic Practice Analysis” in preparation for first specialty • BOC Approved Providers shift delivery options for continuing education during COVID-19 pandemic 2021 • Launched the Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics specialty credential providing pathway to further elevate athletic training profession • Introduced BOC360 - enhanced online platform providing more streamlined process for managing BOC stakeholders tasks and communications with the BOC • IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies) Task Force created • International Arrangement (IA) is launched, providing opportunity for ATs to be mobile on a global scale by challenging other IA credentialing exams 2022 • The organization changed it’s legal name to Board of Certification, Inc. from it’s previous name of NATA BOC • BOC National Headquarters moved to 1411 Harney Street, Suite 100 in Omaha, Nebraska 2023 • BOC joined with 500+ trade associations, professional societies, businesses and employers to launch the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, established to build support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act • “Practice Analysis, 8th Edition” became effective for the AT exam in March/April 2023 • Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) concept further defined from previous research, analysis and work through multiple AT volunteer groups and subject matter experts • Celebrated CEO Anne Minton’s 25th work anniversary with the BOC 2024 • Pathfinder Pilot, a potential CPC component, is launched • Development of AT Interstate Compact launched through the Council for State Government’s National Center for Interstate Compacts in partnership with the Department of Defense and BOC • CARE Conference renamed to Brad Sherman Regulatory Conference • BOC turns 35! Happy Birthday, BOC Celebrating 35 Years! 2 BOCATC.ORG WINTER 2024 2 BOCATC.ORG WINTER 2024 WINTER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 3 INSIDE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 BOC Board Officers 3 Letter from the President 4 BOC Board Officers Announced for Term Starting 2025 6 New Directors Named to BOC Board 7 BOC CONNECTION Happy Birthday, BOC - Celebrating 35 Years 2 2024 BOC Annual Certification Maintenance Fee Due by Dec. 31, 2024 5 Cover Article: CE Categories: Pathways to Success 8 Spotlight on Category D 10 Orthopedic Specialty Certification: Credential-Holders Report Continued Value 13 In-Depth Look: BCS-O Credential-Holder 13 Orthopedic Specialty Certification - 2025 Exam Deadlines 13 Leveraging Community Resources to Support Patients who are Medically Underserved: A Crucial Role for Athletic Trainers 14 Featured BOC Approved Provider 18 New BOC Approved Providers 19 DEI Resource for BOC Approved Providers Designed to Guide CE Program Development 19 INDUSTRY NEWS Expanding Access: AT Interstate Compact 12 In-Depth Look: Athletic Trainer for Cirque du Soleil – Alegria 16 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND STATE REGULATION Passage of Athletic Training Title Protection - Win for California 11 Legislative News 20 Professional Practice and Discipline - Inappropriate Relationships 22 BOC CORNER Meet the BOC Volunteers 15 BOC News in Brief 20 BOC Holiday Closures 23 NATA NEWS Latest News and Updates from NATA 21 CANDIDATES Athletic Trainer Certification - 2025 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 Treasurer/Athletic Trainer Director Jeremy Marra, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES 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 Lynne-Marie Young, MEd, LAT, ATC Athletic Trainer Director Bonnie Van Lunen, PhD, ATC, FNATA, FNAP Physician Director Sujan Gogu, DO, FAAFP Athletic Trainer Director Appointee Kelsey Rynkiewicz, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT Chief Executive Officer Anne Minton, MBA, ICE-CCP4 BOCATC.ORG WINTER 2024 As my term as president of the BOC Board of Directors comes to a close at the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have taken together. Serving in the president role has been a privilege, and I am deeply proud of our strides in advancing the athletic training profession. Over the past few years, we have navigated exciting changes, from expanded opportunities available to Athletic Trainers (ATs) in diverse settings such as the military, performing arts, public safety and more, to advocating for greater recognition of our vital role in health care. There are now more choices for ATs, and numbers in the profession continue to grow making us more marketable and valuable to health care teams. As our profession grows, so does the responsibility to ensure our credentialing reflects the highest standards of excellence. A special thanks goes out to our Strategic Alliance Partners, who have been instrumental in driving our shared vision forward. Together, we have worked on numerous legislative efforts, advocating for the recognition and protection of our credential holders at both the state and federal levels. Our collaborative work ensures ATs have the necessary support to continue excelling in emerging practice settings while advancing our profession in the eyes of policymakers and the public. Our organization has remained active as part of the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC), which is a joint initiative of many entities focused on monitoring state legislation which could impact the functions of certification bodies. The PCC advocates for policies which promote certifying organizations, certified professionals and all who rely on the expertise and experience demonstrated only through professional certification. Looking ahead, I am thrilled to welcome our new board members, Kelsey Rynkiewicz, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREM and Sujan Gogu, DO, FAAFP, whose diverse perspectives and expertise will guide us into the future. I am especially pleased to announce Brian Conway, LAT, ATC will be stepping into the role of president beginning January 1st. Their dedication to the profession, leadership and service mindset will undoubtedly propel our organization forward. I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to BOC’s staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have been the backbone of our success. We could not achieve our mission to provide exceptional credentials and standards the public can trust or live our vision to, lead credentialing excellence globally, without your commitment. As I complete my term, I am filled with optimism for the future. I am confident our organization is in good hands and our profession will continue to flourish in the years to come. With deep appreciation, René Revis Shingles LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT René Revis Shingles, PhD, AT, ATC WINTER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 5 2024 BOC Annual Certification Maintenance Fee Due by Dec. 31, 2024 As a reminder, the certification maintenance fee is due annually and paid directly to the BOC. To avoid a late fee, Athletic Trainers (ATs) should log into their BOC profile and click “Pay 2024 Cert Maintenance Fee” on their “My To Do List” no later than Dec. 31, 2024 , to pay the fee. Your 2024 Annual Requirements: 9 Read and submit 2024 annual confirmation statements 9 Pay 2024 annual certification maintenance fee no later than Dec. 31, 2024 (a $20 late fee will be assessed starting Jan. 1, 2025) 9 National Athletic Trainers’ Association members: BOC certification fees are no longer included in your NATA membership payment To receive a discount on your BOC certification maintenance fee, enter or verify your NATA member number in your BOC profile. Submission Tips: 9 If you need an invoice, “print page” once you are on the checkout page 9 If paying by check, mail payment by Dec. 16 to ensure processing by the deadline (contact the BOC if you need to change the selected payment method) 9 The BOC office will be closed Dec. 24, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025. Pay your BOC certification maintenance fee early to avoid last-minute issues, as staff will be unavailable during this time 9 See changes to the BOC maintenance fee payment process for more details If applicable, contact CE@bocatc.org for information on how to pay certification maintenance fees for multiple ATs.6 BOCATC.ORG WINTER 2024 BOC Board Officers Announced for Term Starting 2025 The Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer (AT) is pleased to announce newly named officers to its Board of Directors. Brian Conway, LAT, ATC, serving as the corporate/educator director for the BOC Board of Directors, steps into the role of president with this new term. Conway is currently senior administrator for Kansas Team Health with the University of Kansas Health System and is the current chair of Kansas Athletic Trainers Society Symposium Committee. Formerly, Conway was a BOC exam site administrator in Texas from 1994-2006. In addition, he served as a member on the Board of Directors for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) from 2006-2012 and was an NATA Foundation board member from 2013-2021. During his tenure at the NATA Foundation, he served as president from 2017-2021, as well as an at-large member, a District 6 representative and vice president of finance. He was a member of the Executive Committee for the Armed Forces Bowl from 2006-2013. For more than 20 years, Conway was a District 6 board representative for the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association. “As I step into this new leadership role, I am both honored and excited to continue advancing the mission of the BOC as an organization,” said Conway. “My goal is to lead with clarity, integrity and purpose, ensuring that we not only maintain the highest standards of excellence but also create meaningful impact for our stakeholders and the public we serve. Together, we will continue to elevate the profession and support the growth of every AT dedicated to enhancing the health and performance of those they care for.” Chris Ashton, MS, LAT, ATC, who serves on the BOC board as an AT director will be taking on the role of vice president. Ashton serves as concussion program coordinator – clinical assistant at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina, Minn. His current professional role allows him to collaborate with ATs across a variety of settings, including secondary and collegiate athletics, physician clinics and community outreach. He previously served on the BOC Professional Practice and Discipline Committee. In addition, Ashton was vice president of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association (MATA) for four years, as well as serving as chair of the MATA’s Continuing Education Committee and a member on the Committee on Practice Advancement. Ashton works with the Sports Medicine Fellowship within the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota and serves on its Clinical Competency Committee. “Serving on the BOC Board of Directors has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my time as an AT, and I am excited to serve as vice president for the board,” said Ashton. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow officers and board members as we continue to uphold BOC standards and ensure public protection. I will tap into my daily experiences in working side by side with professionals providing athletic training services across the full spectrum of where ATs practice as the board continues to enhance our high-stakes entry-level exam and options for continuing professional practice activities. Continuing strong collaboration to improve the strength of the Strategic Alliance will be an important task over the next year as we work to continue to grow opportunities for the AT to provide excellent patient care.” Jeremy Marra, MS, ATC, CSCS, who has served as an AT director on the BOC board since January 2024 is stepping into the role of treasurer. Marra is currently the owner/service provider of Athletic Training Services by Jeremy Marra, PLLC in Lake Placid, New York and previously spent years in the collegiate athletics setting at the University of Michigan. Marra currently serves as the Board of Directors liaison to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies (IDEAS) Committee. Formerly he volunteered for the BOC on the Cultural Literacy Work Group and as a Competency Assessment Module (CAM) item writer. He was previously appointed to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Athletic Trainers serving as vice chair and provided service in various capacities to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) as well as state athletic training organizations and the Special Olympics. “Serving as an AT director for the BOC Board of Directors has been one of the most energizing and impactful opportunities I have volunteered for in my career,” said Marra. “Our comprehensive onboarding and orientation process has helped prepare me for a seat at the table, and as one of the board’s newest voting members, I’ve seen first-hand how collaboration and ingenuity can help strengthen our credential. I’m optimistic that the BOC will continue to advance quality credentialing by embracing a foresight culture and promoting inclusion and sustainability among our stakeholders.” “The BOC continues to be empowered by the strength, talent and dedication of our Board of Directors,” said Anne Minton, MBA, BOC chief executive officer. “An unwavering passion for the athletic training profession drives this leadership team to achieve our strategic goals and targeted initiatives.” Chris Ashton, MS, LAT, ATC Brian Conway, LAT, ATC Jeremy Marra, MS, ATC, CSC WINTER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 7 Kelsey Rynkiewicz, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT was appointed as the new Athletic Trainer (AT) director, and Sujan Gogu, DO, FAAFP was appointed as the new physician director to the BOC Board of Directors. Dr. Rynkiewicz is the director of athletic healthcare and assistant professor of athletic training at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. Rynkiewicz serves in a split capacity with 75% of her responsibilities involving direct patient care through clinical practice and the other 25% being dedicated to teaching. She is involved with all aspects of the provision of athletic health care services and serves as a preceptor for Master of Science in Athletic Training students. Rynkiewicz has served on the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association Public Relations Committee and has served in several NATA volunteer roles. Current positions include NATA District 1 Connection and Engagement Committee member, as well as NATA District 1 public relations committee chair and social media coordinator. “I am incredibly excited, enthusiastic and eager for the opportunity to serve as an AT director on the BOC board,” said Dr. Rynkiewicz. “I am passionate about the athletic training profession and wholeheartedly believe our positive actions, behaviors and contributions are what help to progress the profession forward and ensure its continued growth and success. I am looking forward to bringing my passion and energy to the BOC board to advocate for ATs and protect the ATC ® credential. The mission and values of the BOC truly align with my personal and professional values as a health care provider. I strive to be fair and equitable in the provision of health care services, I believe service is a focal point of the AT role by serving our patients and serving our profession, and I thrive off of collaboration with my colleagues, patients, and others in the workplace. Above all, I strive to exhibit integrity in everything I do as a person and AT as I believe integrity is the foundation to build trust and accomplish our shared goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and continue to uphold the values of the BOC.” “Dr. Rynkiewicz brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing the athletic training profession,” said Anne Minton, CEO of the BOC. “Her dual role as both an educator and practitioner uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I am confident that her passion for service and integrity will help elevate our mission to ensure excellence in athletic training. Kelsey’s dedication to collaboration will foster stronger relationships within our community, ultimately benefiting ATs and stakeholders across the board.” Dr. Sujan Gogu, triple board-certified in family, sports, and pain medicine, dedicates himself to the Rio Grande Valley community. As core faculty at the DHR Family Medicine program and faculty at three medical schools, he mentors residents and students while advocating for health care reform through the Texas Medical Board and Texas Medical Association. Dr. Gogu also champions improved health outcomes through Healthcare for Action via political means. Beyond his medical commitments, Dr. Gogu is a respected commentator, speaker and writer, contributing his insights across various platforms. He also serves as a physician for USA Badminton and USA Boxing, expanding his sports medicine network through Team USA while advancing his career at DHR Health. In addition, Dr. Gogu plays a role as the team physician for the NBA G-League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers. “As a physician director on the BOC board, I bring a multifaceted perspective from my extensive experience in family medicine, sports medicine and pain medicine,” said Dr. Gogu. “My work as a physician for Olympic sports and professional athletes, such as those in the NBA G League, has provided me with unique insights into the complexities of athlete care. I’ve also been deeply involved in mentoring and educating health care professionals, which aligns well with the BOC’s mission of maintaining high standards for ATs. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with ATs in underserved communities, where I’ve seen firsthand the importance of accessible and high-quality care. This experience allows me to advocate for greater collaboration between physicians and ATs, ensuring that athletes—no matter where they are—receive the best care possible. My commitment to excellence and ethics will help uphold the rigorous standards that the BOC has established. My vision for the BOC is to continue leading the charge in credentialing excellence, ensuring that ATs are not only well-qualified but also adaptive to the evolving demands of sports and health care. I see the BOC setting the global benchmark for certification, expanding its influence by incorporating the latest scientific advancements and best practices in sports medicine.” “Dr. Gogu’s extensive background in family and sports medicine, combined with his advocacy for health care reform, makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Minton. “His hands-on experience with elite athletes provides a unique perspective that will enhance our commitment to high-quality patient care. I look forward to his insights on fostering collaboration between Athletic Trainers and physicians, ensuring that all patients receive the comprehensive support they need.” Dr. Rynkiewicz and Dr. Gogu were appointed by the BOC Board of Directors following a nomination process guided by the Nominating Committee. “The BOC board extends its thanks to its Nominating Committee members for their dedication, and hard work, and also to the many qualified and talented applicants who participated in this important process,” said Minton. New Directors Named to the BOC Board Kelsey Rynkiewicz, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT Sujan Gogu, DO, FAAFPCE Categories: It’s never too early to plan your professional development pathway for the 2024-25 reporting period. To assist in this effort, we’d like to address one of the most common questions from Athletic Trainer (ATs) when completing their continuing education (CE) requirements. ATs often struggle with determining whether a particular activity is eligible for continuing education units (CEUs). Let’s take a closer look at the CE categories and highlight resources available to assist ATs. DOMAINS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING As a part of continuing competence, the BOC requires ATs to complete a predetermined number of CEUs within a given time period. All CE activities must fall within the domains of the “Practice Analysis, 8th Edition” (PA8) that defines the current entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities required for practice in the profession of athletic training. Domain I Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy Domain II Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain III Critical Incident Management Domain IV Therapeutic Intervention Domain V Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility The PA8 Domains include: Accompanying PA8 documents are available for download on the BOC website at no cost. Copies of the full PA8 document may be purchased online. CE CATEGORIES: AS SIMPLE AS … The CE categories are divided into Category A, B, C and D. A summary of each category is listed in the table below. Category A - BOC Approved Provider Program Minimum - 10 CEUs if 50 CEUs due; 5 CEUs if 25 CEUs due Maximum - none Continuing education programs approved through BOC Approved Providers. Category B - Professional and Scholarly Activities Minimum - none Maximum - 33 CEUs if 50 CEUs due; 17 CEUs if 25 CEUs due Professional and Scholarly Activities Programs that do not qualify for Category A. Category C - Post-Certification College/University Coursework Minimum - none Maximum - 40 CEUs if 50 CEUs due; 20 CEUs if 25 CEUs due Post-Certification College/University Coursework that do not qualify for Category A. Category D - Non-Approved Provider Programs Minimum - none Maximum - 28 CEUs if 50 CEUs due; 14 CEUs if 25 CEUs due Non-Approved Provider Programs that do not qualify for Category A. 8 BOCATC.ORG WINTER 2024 Pathways to Success To confirm if a CE activity qualifies for Category A, ATs can visit the BOC Program Directory on the BOC website. The certificate of completion for Category A programs will also list the BOC logo and a statement of credit including the maximum number of Category A CEUs eligible to report. If the program is not Category A, it might qualify for Category B, C or D. If the program fits one of the category descriptions, the next step is to make sure the CE program was intended for credentialed health care providers and wellness professionals. If lay people are part of the intended audience, such as parents or coaches, program content is considered below entry-level and is not eligible for CEUs. As mentioned earlier, all CE activities must also fall within the domains of the PA8. The “Certification Maintenance Requirements” document and BOC website are important resources that can provide more information on CE categories, the number of CEUs and the required documentation that will be needed if you are audited. The BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos and Individual Activity Review are also helpful resources available for ATs. CE CATEGORIES TUTORIAL VIDEOS To better assist ATs in understanding CE categories, the BOC developed the BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos that focus on category definitions and provide an overview of activities that qualify for CEUs. The BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos have been incorporated into the BOC website to assist ATs in better defining CE categories. INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY REVIEW The free Individual Activity Review tool is a resource to determine if CE activities fall within the domains of athletic training as defined in the PA8. The BOC ultimately determines if an activity is eligible for CEUs regardless of the outcome of this tool. Visit the BOC website for details. Additional help in determining if a course falls within the domains of athletic training can be requested by logging into your BOC profile and completing form “AT205 - Individual Activity Review.” BOC staff will review your activity and provide a final determination for a fee. The BOC CE requirements are intended to promote continued competence, development of current knowledge and skills and enhancement of professional skills throughout your career. Please contact the BOC if you have any questions determining whether an activity would qualify for CEUs. The BOC is available to support AT’s ongoing professional development and maintenance of BOC certification. WINTER 2024 BOCATC.ORG 9Next >