Vol.6, No.6

July 2001

Academy Election Results

Frank H. Bostock, CO, FAAOP was elected President-Elect and will follow Gary A. Lamb, CO, FAAOP as President in July 2002. Donald E. Katz, CO, FAAOP was elected Vice President, while David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP was elected Treasurer. Paul E. Prusakowski, CPO was re-elected to a three-year term as Director and Thomas H. Colburn, CO, FAAOP was also elected to a three-year term on the Board. Donald R. Cummings, CP was elected to serve as the Academy's representative to the ABC Board of Directors. His term will begin in December. All other positions began July 1. As described in the Bylaws, the President-Elect will automatically become President, and Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP will serve one year as Immediate Past President.

HCFA Renamed CMS

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has been renamed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reflect "a new culture of responsiveness…and to be more businesslike," according to CMS Secretary Tommy Thompson. The agency will have three new centers of service. The Center for Medicare Management will deal with providers and focus on the traditional fee-for-service program. The Center for Medicaid and State Operation will focus on such programs as Medicaid, SCHIP and insurance regulation, administered by states. The Center for Beneficiary Choices will focus on the Medicare+Choice programs and provide beneficiaries with information they need to make informed decisions.

New York State Chapter Shares Secret to Their 30% Increase in Members

Chapter membership increased 30% this year due to an increase in membership benefits. The chapter now provides a member directory, annual membership certificate to frame, alerts the membership of programs ahead of the general public, and has increased renewal mailings from two to four. Leadership also credits an informative newsletter, tracking of member CPR certification renewal dates, sending reminders to members to renew their certification before their expiration, and accurate tracking of members for the boost in membership numbers. "I think our members recognize the chapter has created a more professional image for our members in New York and they want to be part of it," said Marita Dorsch-Carozza, CP, FAAOP, President of NYSAAOP. For additional chapter info Marita can be reached at (212) 831-3600.

NY Partners with Academy on CEC-2

One lucky attendee will be picked to receive a beautiful Paralympic 2000 quilt titled "Heartbeat" during a drawing at CEC-2 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, September 21 and 22. The handmade quilt was on display during the Olympic Games in Australia. The conference program offers 18.5 PCE credits and includes a special symposium on Polio, plus two other symposia on Osteoarthritis-ACL Knee and Silicone Liners. Saturday will feature both orthotic and prosthetic technician programs. Registration is open to all Academy members at $295 (before August 24) and to nonmembers at $450. A separate full-day CPR certification course limited to 30 individuals will be offered on Thursday, September 20 for $50. More than 200 attended last year's meeting. Some exhibit space is still available (at press time). Registration is easy via the Academy's website (www.oandp.org) or by calling Samantha Walla at (703) 836-0788.

Chapter Donates to Negotiated Rulemaking Process

The NYSAAOP is proud to announce its support of the Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure efforts by donating $5000 to the Academy's. Chapter leaders also promised the support of its members to write letters, make phone calls, or visit local congressmen to ensure the appropriate definition for a "Qualified Provider" thus helping to protect patients from receiving ineffective care.

Academy Asks Practitioners to Support Neg-Reg

Realizing that the cost of seeking a seat at the Negotiated Rulemaking Table to iron out the controversial details of the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act would exceed the Academy's resources, the Board authorized a fundraising campaign to help defray costs. President Gary Lamb sent a letter to members and nonmember practitioners to alert them to the impact of the legislation and to seek their support in writing letters, calling their Congressman, and donating money to the cause. The letters were sent July 3 asking for a donation of $100, $75, or $50. First to respond was Academy member J. Michael Wheatley, PhD, CP of MHC Orthotics Prosthetics in Leonardtown, MD, with a donation of $500. "We're up against some very well-financed organizations…I hope all practitioners will answer the call," said Wheatley.

Academy Seeks Your Input on Awards

Each year the Academy recognizes members and others who have made significant contributions to the O&P profession. Members are encouraged to submit names of individuals to be considered for the various awards. (A list of previous recipients and full text of criteria can be found on the Academy's website at www.oandp.org/history/awards.) The awards for which member input is needed are:

The Titus-Ferguson Award. This lifetime achievement award is intended to be the highest level of recognition bestowed upon an outstanding Academy member whose accomplishments and contributions have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the profession.
Distinguished Practitioner Award. Recognizes those members who have distinguished themselves through their personal dedication and leadership to the advancement of the orthotic and prosthetic profession.
Honorary Membership. Recognizes individuals who are closely allied with the orthotics and prosthetics profession, but are not ABC-certified practitioners and therefore not eligible for Academy membership. The recipient of this award should have demonstrated a very high level of knowledge and a dedication to the O&P field.
Clinical Commitment Award. Recognizes those Academy members who have quietly demonstrated a commitment to the ABC Canons of Ethical Conduct and to improving the professional image of the orthotic and prosthetic profession to patients, co-workers, and colleagues.
Outstanding Educator. Recognizes an outstanding educator who creates a positive and permanent impression on the students he/she teaches at one of the NCOPE accredited educational programs.
Clinical Creativity. Recognizes those individuals who demonstrate high levels of creativity in process or device development that improve orthotic and/or prosthetic patient care. Research Award. Recognizes those members performing outstanding research in the field of orthotics and prosthetics within the previous three years.
The Mohamed Amin Award for Humanitarian Service. The Board may, at its discretion, honor humanitarian spirit among disabled persons under the care of an Academy practitioner.

Society Listserves Back Online

The 'technical difficulties" that caused the society listserves to crash have been resolved. All society members for whom the Academy has email addresses have been rekeyed into the system.