Industry News
Briefly: United Airlines Debuts a Cushion Program; OT Becomes First Woman to Qualify for USAWR Team
United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston. In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit…Permobil Releases SmartDrive Firmware, Software Updates
The updates can be made via the SmartDrive mobile app.
Permobil has launched updates for its SmartDrive power-assist firmware and software, now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. In an April 30 announcement, Permobil said, “SmartDrive Firmware v3.2 expands the zero position for the SpeedControl Dial, resulting in a larger window for a successful and smooth stop…Invacare Launches Alber DuoDrive Power-Assist System
The new system can control wheelchair speed on inclines and declines.
Invacare Corp. has launched the Alber e-motion DuoDrive, a power-assist system designed to provide greater flexibility and independence for manual wheelchair riders. “This durable medical device is set to redefine the mobility experience for wheelchair users globally,” Invacare said in an April 22 announcement. “Featuring technologies like Cruise Mode and Brake Assist, the e-motion DuoDrive…NSM Adds Terri Kline to Board of Directors
National Seating & Mobility has welcomed a health-care industry veteran.
National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has appointed Teresa “Terri” Kline to its board of directors. In an April 25 announcement, NSM described Kline as a health-care industry veteran. Kline sits on the board of directors for Amedisys, a provider of home health, hospice, palliative and high-acuity care, as well as for Owens & Minor, provider…VA to Expand Benefits Consideration for Service Members Not Honorably Discharged
The Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged previously declined former service members to reapply for benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating its regulations regarding which former service members qualify for VA benefits. In an April 25 news announcement, the VA said the changing regulations involve the “character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other-than-honorable conditions or by…Rehab Medical Launches Website with Enhanced Focuses
The CRT provider opened a new office in Dallas this month.
Rehab Medical’s new website focuses on the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) provider’s three core groups of stakeholders: patients, partners and employees. In an April 15 news announcement, the providers said, “At first glance, the website introduces Rehab Medical’s mission and how they are carrying out that mission. Users can then see how they specifically serve…Tennessee House and Senate Pass CRT Preventive Maintenance Bill
The new legislation also addresses consumers’ right to repair and providers’ service requirements.
The Tennessee House of Representatives has unanimously passed HB 2147, a bill governing maintenance and repair policies for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) wheelchairs. An April 25 bulletin from the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) noted that the House’s passage clears the way for Gov. Bill Lee to sign the measure into law. AAHomecare added that…Briefly: Health Canada Could Reconsider Masitinib; RESNA Goes Gaming
Featuring Health Canada, AB Science, and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.
Health Canada Could Reconsider Add-On ALS Treatment Health Canada will allow AB Science to ask for reconsideration for masitinib, a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In an April 3 announcement, AB Science said the reconsideration process “will re-examine, with new assessors, the decision based on information that was included in the original submission.” Health…VGM Updates Member Success Team
The member services organization announced a promotion and a new hire.
VGM & Associates has announced an addition and a promotion to its member success team. In an April 10 press release, VGM said Chris Rose had been promoted to become director of member key accounts, effective April 8. Rose, who previously served as a regional account manager, will now “focus on strengthening business relationships between…CMS Announces Medicaid Services Final Rule on Access
The final rule seeks to make Medicaid FFS rates more transparent for stakeholders.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule related to Medicaid access. In an April 24 bulletin, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) discussed the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule, saying, “One of the biggest changes in this final rule are updates to documentation related to access to…Mobility News See More >
Briefly: United Airlines Debuts a Cushion Program; OT Becomes First Woman to Qualify for USAWR Team
Featuring United Airlines, Permobil, and USA Wheelchair Rugby.
United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston. In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit…
Permobil Releases SmartDrive Firmware, Software Updates
The updates can be made via the SmartDrive mobile app.
Invacare Launches Alber DuoDrive Power-Assist System
The new system can control wheelchair speed on inclines and declines.
NSM Adds Terri Kline to Board of Directors
National Seating & Mobility has welcomed a health-care industry veteran.
VA to Expand Benefits Consideration for Service Members Not Honorably Discharged
The Department of Veterans Affairs encouraged previously declined former service members to reapply for benefits.
Features See More >
Commentary: Barbie Reigns, Seat Elevation Coverage Intrigues in Q1
Reviewing Mobility Management’s most-read stories this quarter.
The most-read Mobility Management story of Q1 2024 was bright pink and purple. Barbie Goes to Seating Clinic, published Jan. 23, was inspired by Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, program coordinator at the Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa (Fla.). Lauren passionately advocates for independent mobility for young children, which is…
United Spinal Announces Wheelchair Securement Project
The new SecureRide coalition is working on a new wheelchair securement standard.
CMS Announces Preliminary Coding Recommendations for Powered Seat Elevation
Stakeholders are invited to present comments during a Nov. 30 coding meeting.
University of Pittsburgh RSTCE Launches ISS 2023: On-Demand
Course bundles feature presentations from the live event in April.
AI Imagines CRT
Legislation & Public Policy See More >
Tennessee House and Senate Pass CRT Preventive Maintenance Bill
The new legislation also addresses consumers’ right to repair and providers’ service requirements.
The Tennessee House of Representatives has unanimously passed HB 2147, a bill governing maintenance and repair policies for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) wheelchairs. An April 25 bulletin from the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) noted that the House’s passage clears the way for Gov. Bill Lee to sign the measure into law. AAHomecare added that…