Hands-on CRT Product Expo restarts bill, boosts awareness

WASHINGTON – The Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo in Washington, D.C., on May 13 was a hit, organizers say, even drawing appearances by Reps. John Joyce, R-Pa., and Dan Meuser, R-Pa.

Joyce, a doctor, and Rep. Vern Buchanon, R-Fla., introduced H.R. 1703, a bill to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs, in February 2025. Meuser is also an industry champion and brother of Scott Meuser, chairman and CEO of Pride Mobility Products.

“To have them in the room and address the crowd and meet folks and use the chairs and see why it’s so important – it really solidified our position,” said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government & regulations for VGM Group, whose U.S. Rehab division was a sponsor of the event, along with NCART and iNRRTS.

Legislation gains traction – in real time

In a stroke of perfect timing, the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce also held a markup of H.R. 1703 on May 13, allowing some attendees to observe the legislative process in real time. The Health Subcommittee forwarded the bill by voice vote that afternoon and the Energy and Commerce Committee passed it on May 21.

Stakeholders believe H.R. 1703 or its companion bill in the Senate, S. 247, will move forward through expedited, fast-track legislative procedures – suspension of the rules in the House or hotline in the Senate.

“The (Product Expo and the Washington Legislative Conference) and the mark up restarted everything,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of public policy for AAHomecare. “Whoever moves first, the other side will pass it. It’s in the best position it’s ever been in.”

The bills, which are budget neutral, would create two new HCPCS codes for the base of an ultralight manual wheelchair – one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber, and one for a base without these specialized materials – and would allow for upgrading within a code.

Industry sees growing awareness

All told, about 40 legislators, staffers and other D.C.-adjacent officials attended the event, which featured a broad range of CRT – everything from adult wheelchairs to power assist devices to pediatric standers – from more than 10 manufacturers.

A liaison from the White House also attended. “That reaches (our exposure) farther into the executive branch, which is a good thing,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART.

In the wake of the Product Expo, Grau says he has received a number of emails from attendees.

“Some asked if we were doing it again next year – that’s always a good thing,” he said. “Even some of the staffers said to me, ‘Thank you so much for inviting me; that was very eye opening for us.’”

Photo courtesy of NCART.