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CLINICIAN TASK FORCE
THE CLINICIAN TASK FORCE, A 2022 INDUSTRY UPDATE
Written by: TABATHA JAMES, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
The Clinician Task Force (CTF) is a specialized group primarily of occupational and physical therapists dedicated to supporting the disability community by enhancing the quality of care and clinical education for the practice of seating and wheeled mobility (SWM). Since 2004, the CTF has enriched SWM practice through its contributions to research, policy and industry collaboration, upholding the mission to provide clinically based expertise that informs and promotes public policy, best practices and positive outcomes.
The CTF continues to grow and currently sits at 82 members who are focused on prioritizing access to and awareness of Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) and distinguishing it from Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The mix of members is maintained at 80% clinicians not associated with a manufacturer or supplier and 20% members employed by manufacturers or suppliers. All members are actively involved in work groups that support the political, economic and social causes that align with their personal ethos and client population. Our members have and continue to effect change at the federal, state and local levels with Medicare and Medicaid, and work diligently as education consultants for clinicians and students new to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and the specialized practice of seating and wheeled mobility. The Clinician Task Force invites novice and experienced clinicians to join and contribute their expertise and enthusiasm.
The four work groups currently maintained are:
1. Federal legislation and coverage issues.
2. Medicare issues.
3. Medicaid issues.
4. SWM clinician/education Issues - advancing access and education for the public, our industry, clinicians and university level student clinicians.
This CTF feature will begin a rotation highlighting the efforts of the individual CTF workgroups as well as our united efforts. We hope these updates will help to inform the industry and DIRECTIONS readership of CTF activities and progress. This aligns with our mission to provide clinical based expertise to inform and promote public policy, best practices and positive outcomes regarding people with disabilities who require CRT products and related services.
FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND COVERAGE:
Our Clinical Coverage work group (CCG) continues to work closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),advocating for improved funding access for clients demonstrating medical necessity for power standing and power seat elevation.These members identified a need for accessible knowledge about comprehensive wheelchair seating services to guide the match between the person and the most appropriate equipment for all practice settings — a supporting document can be found atcliniciantaskforce.us to guide the provision of services. The CCG has published their policy analyses for these components in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and ScienceDirect. The group members are conducting a scoping review for Supported Standing Devices, anticipating publication later in 2022.
SWM CLINICIAN ISSUES AND EDUCATION:
The Clinical Issues and Education work group divides its focus into current practice challenges and expanding curriculum development at the university level. This group has been working to provide comprehensive resources for novice and experienced clinicians as well as students. They have organized lists of continuing education options and quality SWM education resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced practitioners of seating and wheeled mobility.
Resources currently found on www.cliniciantaskforce.usinclude:
• Publications by CTF members.
• Online course listing.
• SWM textbook/guide list.
• Evidence and flowcharts.
• Denial roadmap.
• SWM curriculum.
UPCOMING CALLS TO ACTION:
• A National Coverage Decision for wheelchair seat elevation and power standing systems opened for public comment in August 2022.This is an opportunity to discuss the impact and medical necessity of these features, and we will be asking Congress to support the request for Medicare to cover these items.
• On Sept. 14, 2022, the CTF collaborated with NCART and NRRTS to participate in a Virtual Congressional Fly-in Day. On this day,members of Congress and their staffers engage with industry stakeholders and SWM users to champion for policies to reflect medical necessity, support sufficient funding and continue to reduce barriers to accessible care.This is a free all-day event where the Clinician Task Force, NCART and NRRTS members represent and facilitate conversations with Congresspersons in all states and encourage the voices and contributions of all participants and end-users.
Topics of interest for the 2022 Virtual Congressional Fly-In Day included but were not limited to:
• Promote clinical evidence in support of seat elevators and standing systems.
• Passing Legislation to support the permanence of occupational and physical therapists as telehealth providers.
• State and payer specific conversations.
• Shared experiences of end users and their providers.
The CTF believes for change to occur within the industry or organizations, strategic involvement must translate into action. The key to effecting change is connection and balance, building on achievements from days past and incorporating on-going efforts toward a united vision. Individual- and system-wide advocates are required to sustain and influence specific initiatives. Change requires a remarkable show of resilience, commitment and force – particularlywhen influencing policymakers.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Tabatha may be reached at TABATHA.JAMES@NUMOTION.COM
Tabatha James is a licensed occupational therapist and RESNA Certified ATP/SMS in North Carolina. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2016. Her additional clinical interests include neurological specialties, agingin-place, hippotherapy, adaptive sports and accessible camps. She is a member of the Clinician Task Force and NCOTA.
