Clinician Task Force

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Clinician Task Force

This task force was formed in 2004 by clinicians concerned about the current CMS coverage policies for wheeled mobility devices.

This non-profit organization provides clinical based expertise to inform/promote public policy, best practices, and positive outcomes for people with disabilities needing seating and wheeled mobility services. Who We Are

The Clinician Task Force (CTF) is comprised of 82 members, primarily occupational and physical therapy practitioners, whose work involves providing wheelchair seating and mobility services to individuals with disabilities. All of our members care deeply about individuals with disabilities who require wheeled mobility devices. Rita Hostak and Cara Bachenheimer, governmental affairs specialists who work for Sunrise Medical and Invacare Corporation, were the catalysts for the creation of the Clinician Task Force. They also provided technical assistance and support based on their considerable knowledge and experience with the regulatory process. Their participation in the Clinician Task Force was on a voluntary basis as is the majority of the membership of the CTF. Most members of the task force have over 15 years of experience practicing in assistive technology, primarily in wheelchair and seating evaluation and recommendation.

10/01/2026

NOW PASSED IN THE SENATE! H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, which requires updated billing codes in order to make it easier for CRT users to choose high-performance mobility equipment without facing the full upfront retail cost. The bill passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on Sept 30th and passed the House in July. It will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Next steps include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish distinct Medicare billing codes for titanium and carbon fiber frames by July 1, 2028. Once implemented, a user selecting these frame types would be responsible to pay the difference from an ultralight weight frame.

09/18/2026

The combined voices of consumers, clinicians, providers, manufacturers, and allies have always been the force that wins legislative and regulatory change—and they still are. Today on CRT Advocate Day especially and every day, we honor the thousands across the country who educate, speak up, and fight to establish and protect access to Complex Rehab Technology. Together we will keep making progress.

Take a moment now to go to ncart.us/awarenessweek and use the Voter Voice communication system to send a letter to your senator to ask them to support S.247 The Choices for Increased Mobility Act. This act allows consumers to choose the wheelchair frame type that best fits their lifestyle and medical needs without any additional burden of cost to American taxpayers. The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill – now it’s time to get the job done in the Senate too!

09/17/2026

On day 4 of CRT Awareness Week, we recognize the invaluable contributions of CRT suppliers – a team of Assisted Technology Professionals (ATP), customer service representatives, funding specialists, operations teams, and delivery and service technicians who are involved in nearly every step of CRT provision. They partner with CRT users and clinicians to align the functional evaluation, goals and recommendations with the right equipment and coordinate equipment trials to see these plans come to life. They navigate the funding and coverage process to minimize the burden on CRT users. When it’s time for delivery, they facilitate clinic follow up appointments for fitting, training, and education on daily maintenance. Suppliers stand behind CRT equipment with ongoing support, service and repair so it stays reliable and meets the daily needs of CRT users for years to come. Thank you CRT Suppliers!

09/16/2026

Complex Rehab Technology isn’t mass-produced—every wheelchair, seating system, and component is built as a custom solution for one specific person. Manufacturers develop and produce quality products designed around real medical and functional needs of CRT users so they can live healthier, more independent lives. As an organization that includes those in non-clinical roles for manufacturers, we see firsthand the critical role their expertise brings to research and collaboration with engineers and design teams. They bring the latest innovations to life in hands-on educational sessions helping to drive evidence informed practice as a partner of the CRT team. Thank you CRT manufacturers!!

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09/15/2026

Clinicians are physical and occupational therapists with specialized training and expertise in seating, wheeled mobility and other specialized devices. They work with CRT users, their caregivers, and loved ones to complete a comprehensive functional evaluation- identifying medical needs, goals and what equipment will maximize health and independence. Clinicians provide extensive documentation of why specific CRT is medically necessary and serve as an impartial team member with no financial ties to the sale of CRT. They provide training, consultation and advocate for policy reform to make sure not only do CRT users have access to the right technology but also that it is used safely to the greatest capacity to promote independence and lifelong health and wellness.

09/14/2026

It’s CRT Awareness Week!! This annual event was created in partnership by the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry and stakeholders to promote the incredible value that CRT brings to the lives of individuals who rely on this equipment. CRT week highlights the collaborative roles of consumers, clinicians, suppliers, and manufacturers & advocates for fair insurance coverage, funding, and regulatory policies for CRT.

This week is also a great time to use your voice to advocate for CRT and we have the opportunity to help build support to get The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (S.247) passed in the Senate.

The Choices for Increased Mobility Act was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to allow consumers to choose the wheelchair frame type that best fits their lifestyle and medical needs. The bill will not have a cost to American taxpayers. The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill – now it’s time to get the job done in the Senate too!

You can use the NCART Voter Voice communication system to send a letter to your Senator and find additional resources for CRT week at https://www.ncart.us/awarenessweek.

09/08/2026

CTF member Kristen Cezat, PT, DPT, NCS, ATP/SMS recently partnered with Doug Eck, PT, DPT, NCS, MHI, ATP, from the University of Nevada to present at the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Healthcare Summit + Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

08/31/2026

CTF members Cathy Carver, Katie Fitzgerald and Nathan Rhudy joined together in Birmingham, Alabama as a part of a team presenting "COMPLEX REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY: Provision, Practice, Perspective" a CEU course at UAB Medicine bringing together clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers and CRT users for a day of hands-on learning and collaborative learning.

08/29/2026

Congratulations to CTF members on their recent publication in Assistive Technology.

Full Citation: Masselink, C. E., Fitzgerald, K. H., Kohake, H., Michael, E., Shea, M., Presperin Pedersen, J., & Bernstein, J. (2026). The impact of power assist devices on manual wheelchair use across international classification of functioning, disability and health framework categories and the implications for insurance policy coverage: A scoping review. Assistive Technology, 38(5), 526–538. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2703025

07/27/2026

Current CTF members: We are seeking candidates to join the Executive Board for terms starting in January of 2027. Take on an active role in CTF initiatives and network nationally with other passionate CRT advocates.

Interested? Want more details? Email [email protected] for more information

Address

Venice, FL
34285

Website

http://www.cliniciantaskforce.us/, https://gofund.me/36d2ecf7

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