July 4th is a time each year for our nation to celebrate our freedoms, our independence, and the privilege it is to be an American. We are truly grateful to be joining family and friends once again to observe this important day in our history. However you are celebrating, we hope that everyone has a very safe and happy Independence Day!

It’s time to sign up for the September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In. This annual event is jointly hosted by NCART and NRRTS to allow Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) providers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and others to meet directly with their Members of Congress. The theme for this year is “Make the Connection”.

We will be holding the fly-in VIRTUALLY this year and are excited that everyone will be able to deliver important CRT access messages to their Members without leaving their homes or offices. We are also happy to report that thanks to our generous Event Sponsors there is NO COST to participate.

This is the ideal opportunity to tell Congress the actions needed to protect access to CRT for people with disabilities. Topics to be covered include (a) the unique nature of CRT and why policies that support access are important, (b) the importance of Medicare coverage of power seat elevation and standing systems, (c) the increased costs of providing CRT and the need for increased funding, and (d) the need to ensure the CRT Remote Telehealth Option for Physical and Occupational Therapists is made permanent.

Visit www.CRTAccess.com to get additional details and to register (at no cost). Join us on September 14 for an important day of advocating to protect access to CRT.

CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure has committed to opening the public comment period regarding the request for Medicare coverage of power seat elevation and standing systems by August.

This 30-day public comment period is the next step in CMS’ review and processing of the formal request for “reconsideration” of the related National Coverage Determination (NCD). It will allow CMS to gather input from stakeholders and others to use in making a decision on the coverage request for these important systems used in conjunction with CRT power wheelchairs.

NCART continues to work together with the ITEM Coalition on related discussions and advocacy actions. Once the public comment period is opened a website devoted to this issue will be shared as a hub of resource materials, talking points, and comment submissions. Stay tuned for more information.

There can be significant barriers for users of CRT wheelchairs and other CRT items when accessing timely repairs and service. Many of these issues stem from poor policies, excessive documentation requirements, unnecessary prior authorization requirements, and insufficient payment rates of federal, state, and commercial insurance plans that are estimated to fund over 90% of these services.

The challenges to timely access to repairs is a complicated problem that requires the pursuit of multiple changes to resolve. While there have been some targeted efforts in this area over the years, more is needed. To enhance and coordinate the collective advocacy activities at the federal and state level, NCART is establishing a National CRT Repair Coalition.

The mission of the National CRT Repair Coalition is to secure needed policy and funding changes at the federal, state, and commercial payer levels to enable CRT users to have access to timely and professional repair services.

Membership will include representatives from providers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and others who have involvement in the CRT repair process. Updates will be provided as we move ahead.

Each year, CRT Awareness Week is five days specifically dedicated to educating others about what Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) is all about. We have learned that it is the consistent efforts of many advocates that create meaningful and lasting changes that protect access. These five days are another way for advocates to underscore the importance of access and provide information about CRT to their friends, family, and communities.

No matter what role CRT plays in your life, anyone can be an advocate and there are many different ways to get involved. We're looking forward to hearing and seeing the great ways people share about CRT this year. To learn more or for help brainstorming how you can get involved, click the button below to email Mickae Lee (mlee@ncart.us).

Thank you in advance for finding ONE DAY and ONE WAY to be an active advocate for Complex Rehab Technology this August 15-19!

Alaska - A CRT provider workgroup held an initial meeting on June 13 to discuss concerns related to the provision of CRT in the state; NCART is developing resources and a meeting with the Department will be requested in July.

California - CRT provider workgroups met to continue discussing action items related to 2022 CRT initiatives and to develop a CRT proposal package for the Cal-AIM program; a meeting with the Department is scheduled for July 11.

Illinois - A CRT provider workgroup is in the process of collecting information requested by the Department; resources are being developed and a meeting with the Department is planned for August.

Ohio - An NCART and OAMES workgroup met this month to finalize data analysis regarding coding and reimbursement for ancillary CRT items; the data has been provided to the Department for their review and a meeting is scheduled for June 30.

Utah - An NCART workgroup met with the Department in June and has communicated concerns regarding reimbursement, coverage for certain CRT items and services, and proposed SPA language; a subsequent meeting is being scheduled for July; NCART also presented budget recommendations for CRT during a Medical Care Advisory Committee meeting on June 16.

Successful businesses can benefit from comparative data. Effective advocacy requires data that supports its messaging. To address both of these needs, NCART has teamed up with U.S. Rehab to support a 2022 CRT Provider Benchmarking Survey.

The collected information will help CRT providers better manage their businesses and will be used in NCART's industry advocacy efforts. This 18-question survey encompasses multiple aspects of CRT providers’ operations and will supply critical data on the changes that have occurred over the last two years. Important Note: all company-specific information will remain strictly confidential and will not be shared.

In exchange for participating, CRT provider companies will receive a copy of the compiled survey results and a free gift! Please click the button below and complete the survey to benefit from industry-wide data and to support ongoing advocacy that seeks to protect and improve reimbursement for CRT at the federal and state level.

RESNA’s Professional Standards Board (PSB) is seeking public comments regarding draft updates to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The intent of these revisions is to clarify, reorganize/increase efficiency, and address challenges that have arisen in applying the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in recent years. By adding clarity, the PSB anticipates that RESNA members, RESNA ATPs, SMS, RET certificants, and members of the public will better understand the expectations of conduct for RESNA advanced credential holders and the steps needed to demonstrate compliance.

The current versions of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the full draft of the revised standards can be reviewed here. An online survey has been created to collect stakeholder comments after the documents have been reviewed. Comments must be submitted via the online survey no later than Friday, July 29, 2022.

These revisions would impact all advanced credential holders operating in the CRT industry and we strongly encourage participation in this important project. For questions, please email Liz Dombrowski, RESNA Certification Manager at ldombrowski@resna.org.

Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) have introduced H.R. 7676, the “Home Modification for Accessibility Act of 2022”, to provide tax incentives to homeowners to proactively update their houses for improved accessibility, security, and safety.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote modifications to a person’s primary residence. It provides a $30,000 lifetime benefit for singles or $60,000 for couples who file jointly. Before age 59½, individuals would be able to use 401K or IRA funds without penalty for early withdrawal to fund eligible home modifications. After age 59½, individuals would receive a tax deduction up to the amounts specified for expenses on eligible home modifications (whether using retirement or other funds).

Passage of this bill would bring much-needed assistance and benefits to senior citizens and to people with disabilities. It will not only improve a person’s quality of life and independence, but also help reduce healthcare costs by decreasing home injuries, hospitalizations, and caregiver needs.

Please let Congress know this bill should be passed. Visit www.protectmymobility.org to send an email to your Representatives asking for support of H.R. 7676.

NCART is the national association of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) providers and manufacturers established to be the leading education and advocacy voice on CRT issues. We partner with consumers, clinicians, and other advocacy organizations at the federal and state levels to protect and promote access for individuals with significant disabilities through policy and legislation. Those collaborations have led efforts to establish a distinct message and identity for CRT and continue to safeguard the future of access to CRT.

While much has been accomplished, there is no shortage of advocacy work left to be done. The CRT Community has repeatedly proven that working together with purpose and determination produces positive results! If you aren’t already an NCART member, please click the button below to read more and consider joining us to protect the future of CRT access.

There is still time to join NCART, NRRTS, U.S. Rehab, and the Clinician Task Force as they present another CRT Industry Webinar that delivers important updates to industry professionals, clinicians, and other advocates. Click the button below to register for the webinar being held at 4:00 PM ET TODAY to hear the latest news in CRT advocacy!

Each year the Hyatt Regency in Louisville houses the Kentucky All-State Choir during their conference. And every year each individual member of the choir steps out of their room to join their fellow choir members in filling all 18 floors of the hotel with one, completely unified and resounding song - our National Anthem. The many voices and beautiful harmonies are a reminder that our Nation's greatest strength has always been its unity. Click below to listen to this moving performance as we begin the Independence Day weekend. Happy 4th of July!