RRTS is a hit in Canada 

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS has seen strong interest from providers in Canada for its registered rehabilitation technology supplier (RRTS) designation, with the organization receiving about 80 applications in less than two months. 

NRRTS announced in October that it was offering the designation to providers in Canada and then in December that it was partnering with the Canadian Assistive Devices Association to promote it there.  

“When people said how many applications they thought we were going to get, I didn’t believe them,” said Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS. “My experience is, people say it’s a great idea but they don’t do anything unless it’s a requirement. The Canadians – they are so excited about this.” 

NRRTS has created a Canadian Advisory Committee under its board of directors to help NRRTS better understand the needs of providers in Canada and to help providers in Canada to better understand the application process. 

There might not be specific requirements to provide complex rehab in Canada, but there’s a thirst for education there – that’s a big reason why the Ability Members Group, a network of providers operating 74 locations across country, has bought into the RRTS big time. Fifty-nine of its rehab technology suppliers have applied for the designation so far. 

“We’re committed to continuing education and recognize the quality of education that NRRTS possesses and presents,” said Jamie Church, CEO of the Ability Members Group. 

In addition to the education requirements for the RRTS (1.0 CEU or 10 hours), the commitment to a code of ethics is appealing, especially in negotiations with payers, Church says. 

“When you look at NRRTS, in terms of their registration process, and the underlying codes of ethics and consumer protection – third-party payers respect that,” he said. 

Even NRRT’s registrants in the U.S. will benefit from the expansion across the border, Walker says, in that it will help to make the organization even more solvent. 

“Our numbers have been consistent, hovering around the high 600s,” she said. “We gain a few people then we lose a few people to retirement. The board kept saying, ‘We need more people,’ and this helps get us there.”