Tag: ATPs

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – RESNA is going into 2023 with an updated exam for its assistive technology professional (ATP) credential and an updated code of conduct and standards of practice.  The biggest update to the exam: a greater percentage of questions about the evaluation process, says Andrea Van Hook, executive director of RESNA.  “It’s not just about providing equipment, fitting it properly and training (the patient and caregiver) on how to use it, but also checking...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA has released its Job Analysis Survey for ATPs, but this time around, it seeks responses from anyone involved in providing assistive technologies.  The purpose of the survey, which is conducted every five years, is to identify tasks and knowledge reflective of the role of ATPs and to keep the certification program updated and relevant to the profession.  “The reason for (opening up the survey) is because we know that the provision of AT services...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA is conducting a job analysis for the assistive technology professional (ATP) certification program. The purpose of the survey is to identify tasks and knowledge reflective of the role of ATPs and to develop the specifications for the program. The survey can be completed in approximately 30-45 minutes and does not need to be completed in one session – participants can leave and later return to the survey via the original survey URL.

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA and the DMERT Group are working on a new program to not only meet the growing demand for ATPs but also elevate the status of repair technicians.  The two organizations announced in November that they’re teaming up on a new career pathway that will allow techs who hold DMERT Level 2 Repair Certificates to gain the training and necessary skills to successfully become ATPs.  “We’re really looking at this program to help us identify who has...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA has ramped up its efforts to address questions around the ATP certification and recertification processes, including hosting webinars. Andrea Van Hook, the executive director of RESNA, who hosted one such webinar in November, talked with HME News about the “health” of the ATP program in 2021 and more. HME News: Why did RESNA need to increase its education efforts around the ATP?  Andrea Van Hook: We literally...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration obtained additional information during an inspection of a Philips’ manufacturing facility that was not previously available to the agency that showed the silicone-based foam used in a singular, similar device marketed outside the U.S. failed one safety test for the release of volatile organic compounds.  Similar testing provided by Philips to the FDA on devices authorized for marketing in the U.S. had demonstrated acceptable results.  “The...

STEVENS POINT, Wis. - When wheelchair manufacturers create a new product, it's not uncommon for them to give a few samples to get feedback. With Ki Mobility's new Complex Rehab Systems (CRS) platform, they worked directly with National Seating & Mobility's ATP for four years before launching. “In a software product, we need beta testers," said Doug Munsey, president. “We want to know what someone who didn't design it, what they want to do with it, how they want to use it. There's a variety...

EXETER, Pa. - It's an “exciting” time to be leading RESNA's Professional Standards Board, a group charged with overseeing the organization's certification programs, says its newly appointed Chairwoman Julie Piriano. The complex rehab industry is at a crossroads as to how to best recognize professionals who specialize in seating, positioning and mobility, with a recent bill to create a separate benefit requiring CMS to establish an additional designation above and beyond the ATP. Here's...

ARLINGTON, Va. - RESNA has made two changes that should help to grease the wheels for potential ATPs.The organization announced at its annual conference in late June that it will allow younger professionals to sit for the ATP exam before they meet all of the education/training and work experience requirements for the certification and, if they pass, earn the distinction of Candidate for ATP or ATP (Cand), says Charlie Raphael, director of certification and education.“Nothing changes—they...

YARMOUTH, Maine - It hinges on a bill passing in Congress and, even then, it's years away from being implemented, but what could an “ATP-plus” designation look like?“It's anybody's guess right now,” said Weesie Walker, executive director of NRRTS. “We're not rushing into anything; we want to get it right.”A bill to create a separate benefit for complex rehab requires CMS to establish an additional designation for providing complex rehab technology—above and...