| Is a Physical Therapist or an Occupational
Therapist QUALIFIED to provide Prosthetic and Orthotic
Services? This situation has been brewing for a while now and it looks as though it might become reality. Our governments 'Negotiated Rule Making Committee' has hit the amputee right where we step! With states eliminating their share of the cost for low income families to receive prosthetic devices, it was only a matter of time before they would find another way to cut costs for the amputee. This information is from the Support Group Leaders and the Amputee Coalition of America. The Negotiated Rule Making Committee on Special Payment Provisions and Requirements for Prosthetic and Certain Custom Fabricated Orthotics ACA ACTION ALERT: The following Web page link includes articles that represent three views on the current issue confronting the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, namely, are Physical and Occupational Therapists qualified to provide Prosthetic and Orthotic Services (this would include fitting and fabricating prostheses) as they assert, or should this service only be provided by individuals who have had extensive training in P&O? http://www.amputee-coalition.org/aca_advocacy_negreg.html> If you are someone who depends on the comfort and function of custom fit orthoses and/or prostheses to enable you to perform activities of daily living and work in the home, at your job, at school etc., then you are someone who depends on the knowledge and skill of your Prosthetist/Orthotist. If you want to prevent individuals who have not received adequate education or training in the fitting and fabrication of prostheses and certain custom fit orthoses, then you must send letters to Commissioners Sylvester and Lobel and to Dr Hill expressing your extreme concern before the next Negotiated Rulemaking meeting on May 19, 2003. |