I attempted to send this yesterday. Not sure what happened, but it
did not go through. Since there are many questions about the voting
format, I attempt to clarify this issue.
Al and the list: As I stated in an earlier post, I do not have time
to enter the great debate, but perhaps I can clarify issues or answer
questions. As to Al’s questions about the when and hows of the vote:
1. The vote will take place late in the summer or early in the fall.
Before the vote, as much information as possible will be posted on the
internet (Academy and AOPA home pages) and there will be the
presentation of information/bylaws in New Orleans with appropriate
debate. Following the Academy meeting, there will be several months
available for “public comment.” In other words, the debate can
continue to a point. Then, at some point, we have to organize the
comments into the final by-laws and take it to “the vote.”
2. Active Academy members will vote by mail, just like in Academy
elections.
3. Active AOPA members will vote by mail. Active members include
patient care business primary location/facility and suppliers.
4. ABC is not a membership organization. The ABC board will vote for
ABC.
5. As to multiple votes:
a. If you have an Academy membership and are an owner/principle,
you have two votes. That includes business owners, such as
John Billock, and non-business owners, such as myself (as
Director of the Duke P & O Department, I vote for Duke in AOPA
issues). Some folks in our profession/industry will have
three votes (Academy, AOPA patient care business owner,
supplier business owner.)
b. As to multiple votes for the large companies, in AOPA only the
Active member gets a vote, not affiliates, so as I see it,
NovaCare gets one vote. Hanger gets more because they own
some supplier businesses in addition to their Active membership
patient care business.
I trust this`c,arifies the vote. With respect to the three Executive
Directors, if you monitor this post, please correct any information I
provide in error. I put forth my best effort at correct information
however.
Respectfully,
**********************************************************************
C. Michael Schuch, C.P.O., F.I.S.P.O., F.A.A.O.P.
President-Elect, AOPA
Assistant Clinical Professor & Director Department of Prosthetics &
Orthotics Duke University Medical Center
DUMC 3885, M04 Davison Building
Durham, NC 27710
Voice: (919) 684-6890 Fax: (919) 681-8496 E-mail:
Clinic Web site:
