AOTA Issues Policy Statement on Complex Rehabilitation Technology
In concordance with a charge from AOTA’s Representative Assembly, AOTA staff and volunteer members have crafted a letter in support of important legislation that will boost occupational therapy’s role in complex rehabilitation technology (CRT).
The Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act (HR 4378) calls for improving Medicare beneficiary access to CRT, which includes high-tech devices and wheelchairs related to significant disabling conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s. The legislation would create a new benefit related to CRT and separate the current durable medical benefit. Under the law, occupational therapists would have a role in applying skilled assessments of a beneficiary’s need for CRT as well as fitting the beneficiary for these devices.
“This legislation, driven by the needs of beneficiaries and practitioners as seen in the field, will improve the quality of complex rehabilitation equipment and devices while improving beneficiary quality of life through enhanced access to occupational therapy expertise,” said Tim Nanof, AOTA’s director of Federal Affairs.
To view the Complex Rehabilitation Technology Legislative Summary (H.R.4378): http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Advocacy/Federal/Testimony/2012/CRT-Leg-Summary.aspx?FT=.pdf
To view the AOTA Policy Statement Regarding Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT): http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Advocacy/Federal/Testimony/2012/AOTA-Policy-CRT.aspx?FT=.pdf
