March 27, 2020

CRT Stakeholders and Friends,

We hope you're managing through this difficult time and exercising recommended precautions. It's encouraging to see our country coming together, as that's exactly what we need in order to get through the weeks ahead.

Understandably, federal and state agencies have been deluged with emergency requests. This includes our own outreach seeking the temporary policy changes to allow continued access to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and services. The good news is we are seeing the intent, and in some cases actions, to offer needed modifications and flexibility.

We continue to actively reach out to key policy makers on what relief can be offered and how quickly it can be implemented, focusing on:

1. Designation of CRT manufacturers and providers as "essential services" so they're available to supply products and services- thankfully it appears this is happening in states where applicable.

2. Relaxation of prior approval and documentation requirements so CRT products and services can be provided on a timely basis- announcements are being made by certain states; others are being pursued.

3. Expansion of options to use remote technology (telehealth) for CRT clinician and provider in-person activities that are no longer practical/available- while there has been guidance issued for some situations, we continue to seek more CRT specific announcements.

While securing certain policy changes is taking longer than we would like, we are seeing progress that we are working to build on. We'll continue to keep you updated. In the meantime, please stay safe and if you're having difficulties we can assist with please let us know.

Regards,

Don Clayback
Executive Director | NCART
dclayback@ncart.us | www.ncart.us