State By State

Rules and Regulations

Updates from Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Texas, and Wisconsin

Become an AOPA State Rep. If you are interested in participating in the AOPA State Reps network, email awhite@AOPAnet.org.

Each month, State by State features news from O&P professionals about the most important state and local issues affecting their businesses and the patients they serve. This section includes information about medical policy updates, fee schedule adjustments, state association announcements, and more.

These reports are accurate at press time, but constantly evolve. For up-to-date information about what is happening in your state, visit the Co-OP at www.AOPAnet.org/ resources/co-op.

Colorado

In response to the advocacy of providers in the state, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing issued a statement September 8 announcing that the rate would be reverted to the original rate prior to the July 1, 2021, reduction. The department also announced that a rate-setting project is being completed to determine the appropriate rate for cranial remolding orthoses. View a copy of the statement on the Colorado page of the AOPA Co-OP.

Indiana

The newly formed Indiana Association of Orthotics and Prosthetics (IAOP) has elected new leadership. Eric Schopmeyer, CO, of Transcend Orthotics and Prosthetics, will serve as president, and Tim Ruth, CPO, of Kenney Orthopedics, will serve as vice president. IAOP is focusing its efforts in the coming year on educating O&P professionals in Indiana about the goals of the organization, increasing membership, and building awareness of the organization. IAOP has a group on LinkedIn and has started conducting outreach to Indiana’s O&P community. Contact erics@ transcendop.com for more information.

Nevada

The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy released a proposed regulation on October 14 requiring regular inspections of licensed pharmacies and removing the requirement of licensed pharmacies to conduct self-assessments of their operations. AOPA seeks to raise awareness of this rule among members in Nevada and is seeking feedback on its possible effects on the state’s O&P community. Visit the Nevada page of the AOPA Co-OP for the full text of the order.

Texas

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is seeking subject matter experts (SMEs) to assist its Enforcement Division with complaint case reviews. SMEs will be tasked with reviewing complaint cases, generally involving standard of care issues, during the investigation stage of the enforcement process. Responsibilities may include examining documents and statements, writing reports, answering prosecutors’ questions, and testifying as a witness for TDLR at hearings. If you are interested in becoming an SME, visit the Texas page of the AOPA Co-OP for a link to the application. Once you submit the application, you will receive an additional questionnaire to complete and return.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has proposed an order to adopt permanent rules relating to the use of complex rehabilitative technology, effective Nov. 1, 2021. The intent of the proposed rules is to establish rules defining complex rehabilitation technology and certification requirements for complex rehabilitation technology suppliers, as well as identify circumstances under which complex rehabilitation technology may be covered or reimbursed by Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care organizations. AOPA is seeking feedback from Wisconsin members on this topic. Visit the Wisconsin page of the AOPA Co-OP for the full text of the order.

Submit Your State News To submit an update for publication in the State by State department of O&P Almanac, email awhite@AOPAnet.org.