Friday, November 8, 2024

Re: US Politics: Consolidation Questions

April 1, 1999

Dear Mr. Renard:

In an Email message dated March 29, 1999, posted at 4:15 pm, you posed a

number of questions to the Consolidation Steering Committee and Mr. Hoxie

concerning the Consolidation project currently underway. Our response follows

each question asked:

1) Since the draft by-laws of the new organization will not require ABC

credentialed members, will membership be open to BOC members as well as DME

dealers/suppliers, manufacturers, and other non-patient care business

interests?

The Bylaws require ABC certification for persons eligible for “Active

Individual” Membership. They also require ABC accreditation for companies

eligible for “Active Company” Membership. A number of other membership

categories are provided for in which other credentialed credentialed

individuals and companies may also belong to the Association. Thus, it is

possible that a BOC practitioner can belong, however, such persons will not be

entitled to a vote in the affairs of the Association. In addition, suppliers

may belong through the “Active Supplier” Membership category. As now, in

their membership in the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA),

Active Supplier members will be entitled to a vote. Other types of

organizations may join affiliate member categories only so long as they meet

that category’s membership requirements.

Regardless of membership category to which they belong, all members will be

required to abide by ABC professional and facility standards, the ABC Canons

of Ethical Conduct and the ABC Scope of Practice guidelines.

2) Will membership fee schedules continue to vary depending on the type of

membership category? For example: will chain facilities require the same

membership fees as individual practitioners?

The dues structure will vary depending on membership category. As yet, the

Steering Committee has only approved the dues structure. The financial pro-

forma will determine the actual dues and fees for these categories. However,

we do anticipate establishing dues and fees that distinguish between ABC

members and non-ABC members. In addition, there will likely be a varying fee

structure for supplier membership that will be based upon volume of business.

With respect to O&P facilities (Active and Affiliate members) there will be a

fee and dues differentiation. Such fees will be consistent for both

individual facilities as well as for large national organizations with many

facilities.

3) Will education meetings and seminars for chain facility members continue to

be held behind closed doors or will those members be required to attend the

same meetings as the individual practitioners? [why are educational seminars

closed? ed]

ABC continuing education rules (both presently and in the context of the new

association) will be the same. Sponsors of continuing education programs that

do not permit open attendance receive a lesser number of continuing education

credits than those programs that are open to any attendee. The ABC does not

require that employees of “chain facility” members attend open programs in

addition to their employer-sponsored closed programs. Regarding the virtue of

“closed” sessions, the ABC understands that employers will administer

continuing education programs for only their employees. We believe such

programs do contribute to the overall level of knowledge and competency of the

individual. Employer decisions to conduct “closed” sessions remain their

privilege to decide. The ABC, on the other hand, places more emphasis on

“open” sessions (by awarding more credits).

4) Although the new membership may not be all voting members, will not the

mere numbers of industry members, including the main culprits of O&P fraud and

abuse, DME dealers and suppliers, have an effect? Will that new membership

organization have a negative impact re: legislative issues that are not

necessarily in the best interests of the consumer and individual practitioner?

I don’t believe a consolidated organization of members necessarily encourages

dissention regarding issues and national initiatives. Indeed, the presently

separate membership groups have long worked cooperatively with one another in

trying to support common positions. A consolidated organization will help us

better develop those positions and initiatives. Also, the mission of the new

association not only addresses the promotion and representation of the

profession but to promote quality O&P care for the consumer.

5) Will a new consolidated organization accomplish anything by providing

strategic direction of developing policy liaisons with consumer and provider

groups relevant to the future of O&P concerns?

The new association will certainly continue to maintain and foster the

relationships we have developed with consumer groups. We also encourage our

members to develop similar relationships with local consumer groups.

Indeed, part of the ABC’s marketing strategy is to secure support from

consumer groups for recognition of the credential. We also have worked

cooperatively with the Amputee Coalition of America on a number of matters.

6) Will not a new organization, with so many industry and big business

members, send the wrong signal when attempting to educate private and

government reimbursers as to what constitutes a high level of O&P health care

and the proper reimbursement requirements to provide such high level service?

No. The new association’s membership, although including a number of industry

and “big” business members, will likely enjoy a membership of 2000 – 3000

individual and active company (O&P facilities) members. In any event, it’s

been our experience in both the AOPA and the American Academy of Orthotists

and Prosthetists (Academy) that the issues are generally common to all and the

concerns we have affect all. Importantly, we believe that a consolidated

organization will elevate our voice on national matters that ultimately affect

the consumer.

I hope this provides a clearer perspective on our reasons for consolidation.

With respect to specific organizational characteristics, including membership

and voting issues, please review the draft bylaws which can be accessed on our

Web site: WWW.OPOFFICE.ORG.

Sincerely,

David J. Jendrzejczyk, CP, FAAOP

Chairman

O&P National Office

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