National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has formed a thought leadership committee “to address issues affecting the outcomes and mobility needs of individuals with a wide spectrum of disabilities and severe health conditions.”
While the committee was formed in July 2018, NSM’s news release on Dec. 16 was the first formal announcement about the group. The committee “is already actively working to provide solutions, inspire action, and advocate for changes needed to advance the CRT industry on behalf of the individuals it serves,” NSM noted.
The committee, which meets via conference call monthly, includes NSM ATPs and executives, as well as other members of the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry.
Bill Mixon, NSM’s CEO, said, “Diverse teams often come up with the best solutions. The professionals on our Thought Leadership Committee represent varying backgrounds, experiences and roles. Their contributions and perspectives are invaluable, and we are grateful for the group’s commitment and interest in helping us inspire change on behalf of those we serve.
“NSM is prepared to lead by example. We can set a tone for progress, but we can’t advance the industry alone. We have to work together to evolve for the benefit of those we serve.”
Current committee members are Claudia Amortegui, President, The Orion Group; Stephanie Buckley, NSM VP of Marketing; Gerry Dickerson, NSM ATP East and NRRTS President; John Goetz, Senior VP, Bridge Public Affairs; Tonya Hammatt, NSM VP of Payor Relations, West; Denise Harmon, NSM ATP Central; Ryan Peebles, NSM Director of Government Affairs; David Pietrzak, NSM VP of Supply Chain & Vendor Management; Charles Sargeant, NSM Senior VP, Field Support Operations; Mark Schmeler, Director of Continuing Education Program (RSTCE), University of Pittsburgh; Zach Stewart, NSM ATP East; Jeremy Stone, NSM VP of Payor Relations; Angie VanTassell, Alday Communications; Weesie Walker, NRRTS Executive Director; Laurie Watanabe, Executive Editor, Mobility Management magazine.
Current committee projects include fee-for-service versus integrated risk sharing, client outcomes measurement, wheelchair ANSI/RESNA standards, funding for essential technology enhancements, and required documentation standards for order submissions.