In the Mastectomy world, to practice Mastectomy Fitting, one must be properly qualified and trained to become a Certified Mastectomy Fitter.
I, Beth Stutzenburg, became a BOC (Board of Certification/Accreditation) Certified Mastectomy Fitter (CMF), in January of 2018. Back then, you were required to fulfill 500 clinical hours of shadowing an already, existing fitter and then pass a multiple choice examination. The BOC Certified Mastectomy Fitter must also adhere to a code of ethics designed to ensure a comprehensive scope of professional competence and deportment. A Certified Mastectomy Fitter’s activities must reflect their certification and education. Once certified, a Mastectomy Fitter must meet continuing education and annual renewal requirements to maintain BOC certification. This is accomplished through continuing education. Which is so important in this field, as this is ever changing and growing leaps and bounds!
A BOC CMF is an individual trained and qualified to measure, fit, dispense, and adjust external breast prostheses, bras, and related supplies. Mastectomy fitting is the practice,
pursuant to a physician’s order, of addressing medical conditions of the upper extremities and post-mastectomy surgical outcomes. Drawing on knowledge of upper extremity musculoskeletal
and lymphatic composition, the Mastectomy Fitter may measure, fit, and adjust external breast prostheses, bras, and related supplies appropriate to the conditions presented. Follow-up
appointments are required to evaluate the fit and function, make adjustments to the devices as necessary, and promote client compliance with the goal of achieving desired outcomes.
We comply with universal precaution procedures and occupational safety and health rules. Document all client matters and communicate with other professionals.
We adhere to legal and ethical scope of practice, participate in continuing education, fulfill civic responsibilities, participate in research as appropriate, and educate the public and health professionals on available post-mastectomy products/services. We refer to allied healthcare practitioners when a client presents a medical condition that may require other devices/modalities that are outside of this scope of practice.
Geographic scope of the CMF program is in the United States. These CMF’s can practice in mastectomy boutiques, hospitals, cancer centers, and any
other businesses that work with clients who have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstruction. There are at least 5,000 possible mastectomy fitters in practice!
(This information was found on the BOC USA website. I give full credit to BOC USA for this information in this BLOG on this date of November 8, 2021 – https://www.bocusa.org/)
There are other resources that one is able to look up on their website. Please feel free to take a look. As I say, Knowledge is POWER!
I have attached the link to the BOC HOME Page:
BOC SOCIAL MEDIA FORUMS
