In 2007, representatives of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) visited the same Senate office on the same day but presented different positions on a legislative issue pending at the time. The Senate staff responded by urging the two groups to work out their differences before urging members of Congress to act on an issue impacting a relatively small profession. Congress, understandably, does not like to get in the middle of intraprofession disagreements. That occurrence sparked a dialogue within the O&P community that ultimately led to the creation of the O&P Alliance, a coalition of five O&P provider associations designed to coordinate the profession’s policy and advocacy agenda and to speak with one voice, a critical precursor of effective advocacy.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.