Reminder: EBP Category to Discontinue in 2022
As we approach the end of the 2021, we wanted to remind BOC Approved Providers that the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Category will be removed as a separate category and integrated into Category A. The BOC Standards Committee recommended this change occur at the close of 2021.
Through evaluation and the evolution of the BOC Approved Provider Standards since 2016, the Standards Committee determined that BOC Approved Providers are already incorporating evidence-based practice principles into Category A programs. As such, many BOC Approved Providers are already meeting the charge of offering quality CE based on evidence.
In alignment with the Standards Committee, the BOC board approved the recommendation to discontinue the EBP Category as the current reporting period for Athletic Trainers (ATs) ends. EBP level criteria will now be incorporated into Category A programs increasing the caliber of curriculum overall. BOC Approved Providers are expected to comply with the updated standards beginning with programs offered in 2022 and beyond.
BOC Approved Providers are continuing to offer EBP credits through 2021 reporting period (which concludes at the end of the Reactivation Period on 2/28/2022), as ATs need access to such programs to fulfill EBP certification requirements as follows:
- ATs certified in 2019 or before must complete 50 continuing education units (CEUs), which must include at least 10 EBP CEUs by December 31, 2021.
- ATs certified in 2020 must complete 25 CEUs, which must include at least 5 EBP CEUs by December 31, 2021.
At the beginning of 2022, existing EBP programs offered by BOC Approved Provider will rollover to Category A, and there will be no need to reapply. In addition, there will be no additional program fee. By simply maintaining BOC Approved Provider status through submitting the required annual fee and annual report you are able to continue offering as many of these programs as you wish – saving time and money.