Legislation Introduced to Enhance Use of Assistive Technologies for Amputees
AOTA has endorsed the Access to Assistive Technology and Devices for Americans Study Act (Triple A Study, H.R. 2461/S1089) which was reintroduced in the House and Senate to enhance research efforts regarding access to assistive technologies and devices for people with limb loss and limb difference, and to develop policies to improve care in this area. AOTA worked with the Amputee Coalition and Congressional champions to ensure that the study examines the critical role of occupational therapy practitioners along with physical therapists and physicians to provide best outcomes.
H.R. 2461 was introduced by Reps. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY), while S.1089 was introduced by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Disability researchers and policymakers often face knowledge gaps when developing policy to address barriers to care for people with disabilities. The Triple A Study Act would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to develop a report evaluating appropriate coverage and provision of health care services to people with limb loss or limb difference, including the provision of rehabilitative services to support acclimation to assistive technologies and a review of coding for occupational therapy as well as physical therapy and physician services in this area.