CMS published a new proposed rule that could severely limit the ability of hand therapists to be paid for custom-fabricated orthoses. Rule CMS-6012-P “Establishment of Special Payment Provisions and Requirements for Qualified Practitioners and Qualified Suppliers of Prosthetics and Custom Fabricated Orthotics,” published in the Federal Register January 12, 2017, removes exemptions to quality standards and orthotic certification for OTs and PTs, and would require licensure in orthosis fabrication by the state or the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or a program “approved by the HHS Secretary.” Suppliers who do not meet the standard will not receive payment for custom-fabricated orthoses, and may face revocation of both their Medicare and DMEPOS eligibility. ASHT, in conjunction with HTCC, APTA’s Hand Academy and AOTA, are drafting comments on the proposed rule and will update members as more information is revealed.
How you can help: Review your state practice acts to determine if orthosis fabrication is included in your scope of practice. Please contact ASHT if your practice act does not specify orthosis fabrication.
ASHT President Gary Solomon discusses Rule CMS-6012-P in a new video on the ASHT Facebook page.