By Kay Koch, OTR/L, ATP
This week the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) and the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) are partnering to hold the 2017 National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference. The Conference will be held April 26-27 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. On April 27th the attendees will be visiting representatives on Capitol Hill.
NCART is a national association of suppliers and manufacturers of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products and services that are used by individuals with significant disabilities and medical conditions.
NRRTS is a professional association supporting individuals who provide Complex Rehab Technology wheelchairs and seated positioning systems for people of all ages and diagnoses who have postural or mobility deficits. These professionals offer quality care and service using specialized knowledge, training, experience and skills to match the consumers' needs to appropriate equipment.
The National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers ( NRRTS) was incorporated in 1992 by a group of rehabilitation technology suppliers (RTSs) committed to raising the standards of their profession and ensuring consumers receive quality, cost-effective, individualized and function-enhancing equipment. NRRTS currently has Registrants in all 50 states.
Even if you don’t attend The 2017 National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference this week, you may contact your representative any day of the week - Regardless of who you are; consumer; supplier; clinician, or manufacturer - you have a stake in what happens on Capitol Hill and in your State Houses and in the offices of State and Federal regulators. Consider being an active advocate to assure that consumers with significant disabilities and health issues receive the Complex Rehab Technology they need to help assure their health, function and quality of life.
Making a call to your Member of Congress, local representative or Governor’s office takes a few minutes.
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) needs to be separately recognized in order to improve and protect access for people with disabilities who rely on this unique equipment for their medical and functional needs. Legislation has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 750) to establish a separate benefit category for CRT and a Senate companion bill will be reintroduced shortly. Email your Members of Congress asking them to cosponsor the bill and help get it passed this year. Call your representative and ask for their support.
Additional Resources*:
2017 Cosponsors by State
H.R. 750 Position Paper
2016 Cosponsors by State
Legislation has also been re-introduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1361) and the Senate (S.486) to permanently prevent the inappropriate application of competitive bid pricing to accessories used with Complex Rehab Wheelchairs. Congress must pass these bills before June 30 to stop these cuts and to protect people with disabilities. Email your Members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor these bills and ensure passage before June 30,2017.
Additional Resources*:
2017 Cosponsors by State
H.R. 1361 / S. 486 Position Paper
2016 Cosponsors by State
171 HCPCS Codes
*From NCART.uswebsite