Published on:

02/04/2026

Reading time:

2 minutes

Service Prosthetic Assistance image

AUTONOMY ANDCUSTOM PROSTHESES

Definition of devices

Prosthetics and orthotics are devices used to replace body parts, supplement or improve compromised functions (for example, custom ocular prosthetics, hearing aids, braces and corsets, etc.). 

Assistive devices are tools that help perform actions that would otherwise be impossible or difficult to execute (for example, wheelchairs or walkers) 

Supports are objects that help prevent or treat certain conditions (such as catheters for incontinence, adult diapers, etc.). 

How to obtain prosthetics

To make use of these devices, it is sufficient to follow these four steps: 

  • Prescription:
    After a visit, the specialist doctor, whether public or contracted, specifies the prosthetic device to be used.

  • Authorization:
    The administrative offices of the local health authority (ASL) of residence authorize the prescription. 

  • Supply:
    The ASL or an external supplier of your choice delivers the requested device. 

  • Testing:
    If required, the specialist doctor who prescribed the device verifies its correct realization and functionality through a testing visit. 

Consult the website of the local health authority (ASL) of the patient’s residence for more information on how to request prosthetic assistance. 

For ostomized individuals, there are stomatherapy clinics available in the Lazio region.

Topics covered

Disability
Prosthetics and orthotics
Prosthetic assistance
  • Recommendations to prevent the effects of heat and solar radiation:

    • Work organization: limit or avoid work during the hottest hours of the day, especially for outdoor workers if, despite the adoption of specific preventive measures, heat stress poses significant health risks to the worker; limit exposure times by rotating personnel. It should be noted that identifying the most at-risk hours of the day must be done by evaluating the indices recognized by international regulations (WBGT, PHS), also using the tools available on the Physical Agents Portal and the Worklimate portal. • Acclimatization: must always be considered when defining specific company procedures, both for new hires and after interruptions in work activity. • Promote acclimatization when there is a temperature difference between different environments, for example by using transition areas with intermediate thermal conditions. • Suitable clothing, comfortable, made of natural fibers and in light colors. • Proper hydration and nutrition, both during work activity and in anticipation of complex thermal conditions, also taking into account any religious needs. • Availability of fresh water at the workplace, with the recommendation that workers pay maximum attention to their hydration status. • Information and training for workers on the health effects of heat stress and exposure to solar radiation, on specific risk protection measures, and on the implementation of emergency procedures, to be conducted in a language that workers understand. • If the risk assessment process highlights exposure to hot microclimate risks or solar exposure, health surveillance must be arranged to check for the presence of risk factors, whether constitutional or acquired. • Provide breaks to be taken in comfortable places. • Designate a person to oversee the surveillance plan for preventing the effects of heat and solar radiation.