EDGE Direct tracks the most-discussed topics on the OANDP-L listserv, as well as other sources, and will present those subjects here in "Hot Topics." From accreditation deadlines and competitive bidding for DMEPOS to the latest news on the fight for prosthetic parity, here's what O&P professionals have been talking about this month on the OANDP-L listserv. ACCREDITATIONCMS set a deadline by which all durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) providers must submit approved accreditation from one of the ten endorsed accrediting organizations ( www.oandp.com/edge/issues/articles/NEWS_2007-12-19_03.asp). Most importantly, the entire orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics industry, including post-mastectomy providers must meet accreditation requirements by September 30, 2009. However, there was some question as to which organizations are approved to provide accreditation. According to CMS, the ten endorsed organizations are as follows: Accreditation Commission for Health Care Inc. (ACHC), www.achc.org Approved for categories: All DME; respiratory, orthotics, rehabilitation technology supplier, and medical supply provider. American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics Inc. (ABC), www.abcop.org Approved for categories: Comprehensive orthotics; comprehensive prosthetics; prefabricated custom-fitted orthotics; post-mastectomy prosthetics; non-custom therapeutic shoes; comprehensive therapeutic shoes; ocular prosthetics; facial prosthetics; somatic prosthetics; ancillary assistive ambulatory devices (canes, walkers, crutches) for those suppliers who qualify for O&P accreditation. Board of Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC), www.bocusa.org Approved for categories: All orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics; DME; all respiratory and POV. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), www.carf.org Approved for categories: Wheelchairs; prosthetic devices (including those devices, other than dental, that replace all or part of an internal body organ); orthotics and prosthetics, including leg, arm, back, and neck braces; artificial legs, arms, and eyes; and extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom-molded soles with inserts; therapeutic shoes; DMEPOS covered by Appendix B (i.e. manual wheelchairs and power mobility devices, including complex rehab and assistive technology) and Appendix C (i.e. custom-fabricated, custom-fitted, custom-made orthotics, prosthetic devices somatic, ocular and facial prosthetics, and therapeutic shoes and inserts). Community Health Accreditation Program Inc. (CHAP), www.chapinc.org Approved for categories: Diabetic supplies; cane; crutches; walkers; commode chairs; hospital beds; traction equipment; Appendix A: respiratory equipment, supplies, and services; oxygen concentrators; reservoirs; high-pressure cylinders; oxygen accessories and supplies; oxygen conserving devices; home invasive mechanical ventilators; continuous positive airway devices (RAD); intermittent positive pressure breathing devices; nebulizers; Appendix B: manual wheelchairs and power mobility devices, including complex rehab and assistive technology; PMDs; power wheelchairs, power operated vehicles, and accessories; manual wheelchairs; standard recliners; heavy-duty wheelchairs; standard lightweight wheelchairs; hemi wheelchairs; armrests; leg rests/footplates; Appendix C: custom-fabricated, custom-fitted, custom-made orthotics; prosthetic devices; somatic; ocular and facial prosthetics; and therapeutic shoes and inserts. The Compliance Team, Inc., www.exemplaryprovider.com Approved for categories: All mail-order and home-delivery DMEPOS; home dialysis supplies; therapeutic shoes and inserts. HealthCare Quality Association on Accreditation (HQAA), www.hqaa.org Approved for categories: All DME and custom orthotics. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), www.jointcommision.org Approved for categories: All products and services described in Section 1834(a) (13) of the Act; Prosthetic devices, orthotics, and prosthetics described in Section 1834(h) of the Act; and items described in Section 1842(s) (2) of the Act. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), www.nabp.net Approved for categories: DME diabetic products and supplies; enteral and parenteral nutrients and supplies; off-the-shelf products and supplies--respiratory, urological, mobility aids, wound care, and medical non-custom orthotics and prosthetics. The National Board of Accreditation for Orthotic Suppliers (NBAOS), www.nbaos.org Approved for categories: Custom fabricated, non-customized, and custom orthotics; custom and non-customized prosthetics. PARITY With news that New Jersey has become the eighth state in the country to pass legislation that will protect access to prosthetic care--joining Colorado, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California, and Oregon--interest has piqued in other states. The Amputee Prosthetic Clinic, based in Georgia, will host a "Parity Summit" from 1-4 p.m., Friday, February 22, at the Westin Atlanta Airport. The summit is scheduled to discuss and debate potential benefits and pitfalls associated with prosthetic parity. Anyone with a well-constructed opinion on this matter should contact James O. Young, LP, CP, FAAOP, at 888.325.3534. Editor's Note: All posts to OANDP-L are reprinted with permission of the list moderator and the invidual poster(s). 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