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What is ARCB? |
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The American Reflexology Certification Board is an independent testing agency for the
field of Reflexology.
ARCB is a legally constituted, non-government entity incorporated under California Law
as a non-profit corporation and is IRS tax exempt. It has been set up precluding
self interest and private financial gain to serve the Reflexology field and
protect public safety.
ARCB's primary aim is to accomplish this through certifying the competency of those
reflexologists practicing professionally who meet certain standards. A second
objective is to act as a national referral board for certified practitioners.
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What ARCB isn't. |
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The American Reflexology Certification Board is not affiliated with any school or
educational program. It does not accredit schools or instructors. Nor does it
endorse any specific curriculum, training program, or instructor. ARCB is also not a
membership association.
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What is the
History of ARCB? |
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As early as 1986 in an article "Consider the Profession" in Reflexions,
Jan/Feb/Mar issue, reflexologists began discussing the need for a certifying board within
the profession. Then on January 20, 1989 Larry Clemmons of Chicago sent out an invitation
to leaders in the field to join him in developing some kind of accrediting board to
test professional reflexologists. This began the works toward a Certification
program. Under development for several years ARCB was formally founded in March 1991
with legal incorporation. Nationally known educators were invited to participate in the
study guide development as well as the initial test. The first certification test was given in Los
Angeles, California on January 12, 1992.
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How is ARCB
Governed? |
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The corporate bylaws and seven member board of directors who serve without compensation
govern ARCB. The directors come from across the United
States. All are
practicing reflexologists on either a full or part time basis. More extensive
information on the current directors can be viewed by following this link.
In its organization and the implementation of its program ARCB follows the Guidelines
set by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). ARCB is working
toward NOCA approval.
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How are
Directors selected? |
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Candidates for Director are nominated and invited to join the board after peer
review by the current directors. Considerations include such things as background
skills, temperament, and geographical location.
Those reflexologists having their own school, method, chart, or having authored a
technique book or video are not eligible to serve as a director due to the possibility of a
conflict of interest.
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What
is involved in being a Director? |
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Being on the American Reflexology Certification Board is a serious commitment. It
involves a firm belief in the certification process as part of professionalism, the
donation of a sizable amount of one's time as well as financial support through
uncompensated attendance at meetings, conference calls, and other activities.
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How long do
directors serve? |
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A Director holds office for a year and may stand for re-election upon expiration of
his/her term and may serve an unlimited number of additional consecutive terms. A
director is free to resign any time.
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Board history |
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The seven original directors included: Larry Clemmons, Christine Issel, George Balut,
Bill Runquist, Dr. Simon Wikler D.P.M., Jim Waters (a businessman who represented the
public) and Lorraina Ward. Dr. Wikler resigned shortly after incorporation due to
illness. Jim Waters resigned because of business pressures and Lorraina Ward to
develop her own school. Tom Gardiner and Billie Scott replaced Wikler and Waters in
the fall of 1991. Patricia Peters R.N. replaced Ward in the spring of 1992. Peters left
the Board in summer 1994 and Laura Laroche was selected to fill the vacancy she left.
February 1995 brought the resignation of Billie Scott. Barbara Mosier
replaced Billie. Larry Clemmons left to enter the Ministry. Robb Drury replaced him in
1996. Robb began a masters Degree program and has since been replaced by Ko Tan
(1999). Bill Runquist retired from the board and was replaced by Wendy Coad in
1998. Laura Laroche submitted her resignation in the spring of 1999 to pursue
publication of a book on credentialing in the somatic practice
field. Alexandra Ferguson replaced Laura Laroche and Jean
Lambert replaced Barbara Mosier when she resigned in late summer
of 2000.
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The current board |
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The current board members and positions are:
Michael Rainone
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Ko Tan
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Perry Dickenson
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Lucy Scarbrough
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Annalise Evenson
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Elizabeth Treanor
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Kathleen King
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How
is ARCB forming communicating links within the field and the larger community? |
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To correct misinformation about Reflexology published in popular magazines, ARCB
responds by writing letters to editors. It also has developed a web site, answers
queries from writers, students and the public regarding all aspects of Reflexology as well
as conducting the certification program. It refers the public to its certificants. ARCB
publishes Reflexology Today, a semi-annual newsletter, to keep certificants
up-to-date on the latest information.
ARCB is dedicated to bolstering all facets of the Reflexology field, including
the legislative area. In 1991, ARCB worked with reflexologists in North Dakota to
pass the first Reflexology law in the nation. Today it continues to act as
legislative consultant to reflexologists in many states in conjunction with legislative
proposals in their area. ARCB offers a "Legislative Packet" and 61-page
booklet entitled "Sample Law/ Ordinance Packet" on legislative options and other
considerations before writing a state law or local ordinance. These are available to
certificants and non-certificants for a small fee.
ARCB's desire is to help where it can within the Reflexology field as long as its
status as an unbiased, independent testing agency is not compromised. No matter what
other assistance is asked of ARCB, the improvement of the testing program is it's first
priority and will remain the focus of its ongoing work.
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ARCB Mission
Statement |
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The American Reflexology Certification Board's main purpose is to protect the public
and promote the advancement of the field through the recognition of competent
reflexologists who practice on a professional basis and choose to be recognized as meeting
basic national standards. The ARCB promotes Reflexology and certificants through publication
of a bi-annual newsletter and other business- related materials. The ARCB works for the
growth of the entire field by encouraging the ongoing development of reflexology
associations and related professional organizations.
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