Tim G. Pederson

This spring our industry held two well-executed events in Washington, DC. The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) held its annual lobbying event on May 9 in conjunction with the introduction of the Medicare Access to Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Act of 2007 (HR 2231) by Congressmen Tom Allen (D-Me) and Ron Lewis (R-Ky).

The 75 or so attendees were united in a common purpose of lobbying for HR 2231, as well as for the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007 (HR 1845) introduced by Reps John Tanner (D-Tenn) and David Hobson (R-Ohio). The number of attendees as well as the energy level were significantly increased over those at last year's event, and the event was called a success.

Nearly a month later, AAHomecare hosted its annual Washington Legislative Conference. This event was also proclaimed a success because it attracted 225 attendees who lobbied for HR 1845, HR 2231, and HR 621.

Our industry has never had a time in its history when it has been more critical for stakeholders to get involved. Despite this, I'm beginning to believe that we are an industry composed of the same 300 people that bother to come to Washington to fight for our right to survive.

Congress is beginning to believe this as well. In my visits with my own Congressional delegation, I have been asked if we have any other providers in South Dakota. They ask because no other HME providers from South Dakota have ever come to Washington to talk about industry issues. This is unfortunate because our members of Congress are eager to hear about our struggles, and they are willing to help … but they want to hear from more providers than the few who attend these events.

The Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES) decided to take action this year to increase the turnout for the AAHomecare Legislative Conference. MAMES redirected money from its operating budget to assist with the expense of sending at least one member from each of our states to Washington for the conference. This is a step that other state associations might take to increase attendance. As incoming president of MAMES, I will advocate for this same action during my term.

When we compare attendance at Medtrade with attendance at events that can influence policy in Washington, we cannot possibly call this spring's events a success. It is time for providers to stop riding the coattails of those who fight for us in Washington. It is time for all providers to become active members of AAHomecare, NCART, and their state associations. It is time for state associations to emulate what MAMES has done. We can call these events successful only when we have provider representation from each Congressional district at our Washington events.

Tim G. Pederson, ATS, is CEO of WestMed Rehab Inc, Rapid City, SD. He is Chair of AAHomecare's Rehab and Assistive Technology Council, a board member of AAHomecare, VP of MAMES, and a member of NCART.