Clinician Task Force

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Clinician Task Force

This task force was formed in 2004 by clinicians concerned about the current CMS coverage policies for wheeled mobility devices.

This non-profit organization provides clinical based expertise to inform/promote public policy, best practices, and positive outcomes for people with disabilities needing seating and wheeled mobility services. Who We Are

The Clinician Task Force (CTF) is comprised of 82 members, primarily occupational and physical therapy practitioners, whose work involves providing wheelchair seating and mobilit

y services to individuals with disabilities. All of our members care deeply about individuals with disabilities who require wheeled mobility devices. Rita Hostak and Cara Bachenheimer, governmental affairs specialists who work for Sunrise Medical and Invacare Corporation, were the catalysts for the creation of the Clinician Task Force. They also provided technical assistance and support based on their considerable knowledge and experience with the regulatory process. Their participation in the Clinician Task Force was on a voluntary basis as is the majority of the membership of the CTF. Most members of the task force have over 15 years of experience practicing in assistive technology, primarily in wheelchair and seating evaluation and recommendation.

08/31/2026

CTF members Cathy Carver, Katie Fitzgerald and Nathan Rhudy joined together in Birmingham, Alabama as a part of a team presenting "COMPLEX REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY: Provision, Practice, Perspective" a CEU course at UAB Medicine bringing together clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers and CRT users for a day of hands-on learning and collaborative learning.

08/29/2026

Congratulations to CTF members on their recent publication in Assistive Technology.

Full Citation: Masselink, C. E., Fitzgerald, K. H., Kohake, H., Michael, E., Shea, M., Presperin Pedersen, J., & Bernstein, J. (2026). The impact of power assist devices on manual wheelchair use across international classification of functioning, disability and health framework categories and the implications for insurance policy coverage: A scoping review. Assistive Technology, 38(5), 526–538. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2026.2703025

07/27/2026

Current CTF members: We are seeking candidates to join the Executive Board for terms starting in January of 2027. Take on an active role in CTF initiatives and network nationally with other passionate CRT advocates.

Interested? Want more details? Email [email protected] for more information

07/03/2026

The FAST Repair Act currently has 17 legislative co-sponsors representing 13 states. Contact your representative today to help increase support for H.R.9364 and reduce the undue burden for repairs by eliminating pre-authorization for CRT equipment already deemed medically necessary.

06/29/2026

CTF at Abilities Chicago — we had a great time!

Many impactful sessions and time spent engaging with others committed to this important work. We left inspired and ready to keep pushing our mission forward.

Thank you to everyone who connected with us!

06/13/2026

We just wrapped up the Abilities International Accessibility Conference in Chicago and we're still buzzing from all the connections and hands-on learning with industry leaders. We're keeping the fire burning with these expert resources and organizations to tap into to learn more about CRT and accessibility. Visit our webpage and connect with us to keep the CRT conversation burning bright! Link in bio 💙

05/15/2026

This week Theresa Berner and Jill Sparacio represented the CTF at the 2026 Congressional CRT Product Expo and Leadership Summit on Capital Hill. Standing alongside partners across the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) community, they met directly with members of Congress and their staff to showcase CRT products and engage in conversations for policy to protect access. Advocacy for access and coverage for CRT is at the core of the mission of the CTF. We hope to continue to engage with all stakeholders in an united effort to ensure all individuals have access to the technology that they deserve.

CTF members in attendance included: Julie Piriano, Jessica Presperin Pedersen, Jill Sparacio, Theresa Berner and Ashley Detterbeck.

04/18/2026

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉

This month we're honoring the incredible Occupational Therapists whose work creates life-changing opportunities for patients & clients and inspires the next generation of innovators in complex rehabilitation technology.

Student spotlight: Kyle Harris just wrapped up his OT capstone experience at with CTF member Stephanie Cooley, OTR/L, ATP. Kyle told us "It makes me smile hearing stories of how individuals plan to use their chair to see their kids or grandkids run a race, play in a sport, or see them perform. Knowing that the equipment we work to provide allows people to engage and participate in the things that bring them joy in their life is the greatest reward of the work we do.”

Thank you to all occupational therapy professionals who are shaping tomorrow's healthcare solutions and impacting the patients and clients you serve!

Image: Kyle Harris, 3rd year occupational therapy student at The Ohio State University and Ryan Burnett PT, DPT, ATP are pictured utilizing a stair climbing PMD in a stairwell at Dodd Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Ohio.

04/01/2026

Members Act Now!
The proposed changes to Local Coverage Determination language threatens to limit power seat elevation (K0830, K0831) coverage and deny medically necessary equipment for beneficiaries who use a Group 2 power wheelchair. Please share with your clients, suppliers, clinicians and reps and submit your story today to protect access and coverage of technology invaluable to independence, safety and health. For more information about the benefits of power seat elevation, see RESNA position statement (2020) and Policy Analysis on Power Seat Elevation Systems (Masselink et al, 2022) on the CTF website. Stay tuned for a letter from the CTF coming soon.

Email your comments to PMDRecon@noridiancom by midnight on April 4th!

03/27/2026

Day 2 at Abilities International is officially in the books! Looks like a wheelie good time was had by all! ☺️ 👩🏼‍🦽

Address

Venice, FL
34285

Website

http://www.cliniciantaskforce.us/, https://gofund.me/36d2ecf7

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