RECENT LEGISLATION /ONE STEP FORWARD TWO STEPS BACK
Tony Barr
Description
Collection
Title:
RECENT LEGISLATION /ONE STEP FORWARD TWO STEPS BACK
Creator:
Tony Barr
Date:
1/4/2001
Text:
I tried to remain silent about the most recent controversy until a recent post was submitted by the Academy's president effectively endorsing AOPA's Policy Forum as an opportunity to talk to elected representatives. She has stated that the O&P profession is too small to compete with the $$$ of PTs and OTs eluding to the industry recent victory of inclusion to the list of qualified O&P providers without any other educational requirements or certification qualifications.
In spite of the Academy's mission statement to promote patient advocacy, high standards in patient care and to further the scientific and educational attainments of ABC certified orthotists and prosthetists the leaders of AAOP remain loyal to the industry's need for additional membership revenue and not to the advances of competency of practitioners whom would promote the quality and effectiveness of orthotic and prosthetic care, and better assure integrity to your profession.
I am not a member of the Academy nor certified by ABC or BOC.
I am not shocked with these recent events that is,in my opinion, the industry's direct assault to dilute meaningful federal and state regulation of the profession.With five states having established regulation in their states and the growing trend of mandatory licensure to the O&P profession on a federal level, AOPA's legislative strategy has appeared thus far, to have worked to dilute the real meaning of qualified O&P health care and have access to cheaper labor. It has worked without opposition because of their failure to again disseminate proper and timely information and particulars regarding the PT and OT legislation to their professional membership and certifees.They didn't need consolidation to deal behind closed doors and without the knowledge of the professional members and certifees of the sister organizations.
We have met the enemy and it is ourselves-the alphabet soup war and campaigns start up again with just different letters. At least they are down to two letters! Perhaps there will be soon one and then none! Oh wait there is the secret society of NOMA.Those villains in dark cloaks that assault state regulation efforts with lobbyist $$.They wish to remain anymonous. Now why do you think that is?
Somehow, a occupational or physical therapist legally sanctioned and allowed to evaluate, diagnose ,fabricate and fit a MS or polio patient with a spinal brace or a hip disarticulate with a prostheses doesn't all set well with me.You think it will with the insurance providers? But to have such a reputable and recognized professional and president of THE professions national association actually defend the industry position in promoting such ridiculous legislation is much more alarming to this patient advocate whom she says she promotes.
Hey wasn't that legislator also from New York who sponsored this bill?
Look at the possible benefits! Now the PT/OT can't blame the certified or licensed Prosthetics or Orthotist for a faulty designed or fabricated brace or leg that they made for their patients.
They can make it themselves, teach them to walk with it and get them a job after their rehabilitation to pay for it!
Do you think this one stop shopping and treatment may cost less to the facility that hires them?
After all, they will be less qualified,dont require a license nor college education so the pay will be less than that of our growing number of licensed professionals who paid years of dues of time in obtaining education and certification credentials.
They will of course have to be paid enough to afford there AOPA membership dues!
A man that doesnt stand for something will fall for anything. Have a nice day!
Tony Barr
In spite of the Academy's mission statement to promote patient advocacy, high standards in patient care and to further the scientific and educational attainments of ABC certified orthotists and prosthetists the leaders of AAOP remain loyal to the industry's need for additional membership revenue and not to the advances of competency of practitioners whom would promote the quality and effectiveness of orthotic and prosthetic care, and better assure integrity to your profession.
I am not a member of the Academy nor certified by ABC or BOC.
I am not shocked with these recent events that is,in my opinion, the industry's direct assault to dilute meaningful federal and state regulation of the profession.With five states having established regulation in their states and the growing trend of mandatory licensure to the O&P profession on a federal level, AOPA's legislative strategy has appeared thus far, to have worked to dilute the real meaning of qualified O&P health care and have access to cheaper labor. It has worked without opposition because of their failure to again disseminate proper and timely information and particulars regarding the PT and OT legislation to their professional membership and certifees.They didn't need consolidation to deal behind closed doors and without the knowledge of the professional members and certifees of the sister organizations.
We have met the enemy and it is ourselves-the alphabet soup war and campaigns start up again with just different letters. At least they are down to two letters! Perhaps there will be soon one and then none! Oh wait there is the secret society of NOMA.Those villains in dark cloaks that assault state regulation efforts with lobbyist $$.They wish to remain anymonous. Now why do you think that is?
Somehow, a occupational or physical therapist legally sanctioned and allowed to evaluate, diagnose ,fabricate and fit a MS or polio patient with a spinal brace or a hip disarticulate with a prostheses doesn't all set well with me.You think it will with the insurance providers? But to have such a reputable and recognized professional and president of THE professions national association actually defend the industry position in promoting such ridiculous legislation is much more alarming to this patient advocate whom she says she promotes.
Hey wasn't that legislator also from New York who sponsored this bill?
Look at the possible benefits! Now the PT/OT can't blame the certified or licensed Prosthetics or Orthotist for a faulty designed or fabricated brace or leg that they made for their patients.
They can make it themselves, teach them to walk with it and get them a job after their rehabilitation to pay for it!
Do you think this one stop shopping and treatment may cost less to the facility that hires them?
After all, they will be less qualified,dont require a license nor college education so the pay will be less than that of our growing number of licensed professionals who paid years of dues of time in obtaining education and certification credentials.
They will of course have to be paid enough to afford there AOPA membership dues!
A man that doesnt stand for something will fall for anything. Have a nice day!
Tony Barr
Citation
Tony Barr, “RECENT LEGISLATION /ONE STEP FORWARD TWO STEPS BACK,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/215784.
