POST#3: JUNE 19, 2008

Q: I think this will further confuse people - make everyone with an AT certification look like a vendor - therefore lumping in the sales staff with the licensed therapist who are evaluating and providing therapy services NOT selling equipment.

A: RESNA’s certification should not define the person’s role but rather his/her knowledge of assistive technology. The intent of the single certification is to remove the implication of the role. Roles are defined by other credentials, i.e. licensure. The therapist will always have their OT or PT designation and their licensure that gives them the right to practice.

Q: So, let me get this straight, to keep doing what I am doing now as an ATS, I will have to "become certified" in the areas of seating, augcomm, mobility, etc individually? Two words: CASH GRAB

A: Someone who has earned their ATP or ATS certification would still be RESNA-certified, no matter what the new designation is called. This designation would still be valid and recognized as it is now, with plans to increase its visibility and therefore its value to you. It is still the basic certification that identified core competency in the AT field, and we expect that this certification will still hold value in many areas of practice without further advanced certification. While the present and future basic certifications identify core competency, it does not addess a person’s expertise in areas such as seating and mobility. The specialty certification is designed to recognize advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular area, and would only be developed for an area of practice where there may be a desire for individual to further distinguish themselves with demonstration of a deeper knowledge. Arguments against requiring the ATP by CMS for professionals performing seating and mobility evaluations involved the fact that the ATP did not acknowledge a specific expertise in these types of evaluations, only a basic knowledge of AT. The specialty certification will address this issue and may ultimately be recognized by CMS.

Q: I support the idea of advanced certifications, but would like to see the current ATS and ATP certifications remain the same. These could each be a prerequisite for the advanced certifications. Even though the two groups share quite a bit on content on the exam, different skills are required as a practitioner and as a supplier.

A: We agree that the though the skills of a supplier are different from a practitioner, the core AT knowledge base is the same. Skills are developed from formal and informal training, and often on the job. The RESNA certification tests ONLY knowledge. There is no test or objective measure of “skill” such as a practicum, or portfolio. RESNA certificants are not tested in their patient handling skills, treatment, use of tools, knowledge about latest products, and other areas.

The basic certification will, indeed, be a prerequisite for any advanced certification.

Q: I feel that what RESNA needs to do is enforce their current code of ethics, so when a violation of those are reported to RESNA say in February 2008 it doesn’t go on 4 months and counting to be reviewed by the PSB (professional standards board). To date this individual has been found guilty by a jury in February 2008 of violation of The Uniform Trade Secrets Act; 59.1-336 and is still an ATS and working. If RESNA wants a professional ethical team of certified individuals, then they need to support those that uphold patient privacy, maintain confidentially of privileged information, Engage in no conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the association and, more broadly, on professional practice, Hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally, Comply with the laws and policies that guide professional practice, Issue public statements in an objective and truthful manner and Practice only in their area(s) of competence and maintain high standards.

A: RESNA has established a Complaints Review Committee through the Professional Standards Board, to handle all adjudications. In the case mentioned above, the person in question has been informed of the decision to revoke certification and has a time in which to appeal. We too believe that the effectiveness of “policing” the certification and acting on violations is critical, especially as the visibility of the certification and its value increases and more violations are reported. RESNA is and has been taking steps to enforce a disciplinary action policy that is legally defensible. The proposed changes to the certification will make it much more legally defensible, thus insuring adjudications will be effective and much less prone to legal challenges.

Q: RESNA is on the right track do not be derailed by growth, government or bureaucrats. To add more requirements, certifications, etc. only places an unduly stress on the small businesses out there. Yes, I agree that RESNA should have certificates that are specialized in seating, progressive and non-progressive diseases and proper placement for AT, ROM deficits and compensation for and through AT placement….. however, these should be classes offered like the ones in Washington DC in June. If continuing education is the key, then offer it and we will come. Present the attendees after the 1 or 2 day class has ended with a certificate of completion. Stop mandating us to death. Me and the other 99.9% of ATS, ATP, RET are dedicated and committed to our patients and their well-being and that is what it’s about, the patient.

A: Specialty certification, if it needs to exist in a particular area of practice, can be handled in many ways, like you just described. There is no need to always develop another exam to show advanced knowledge, and RESNA is planning more opportunities for relevant continuing education using online resources. Another possibility is the development of certification programs that offer advanced training rather than an exam. We would welcome your feedback as to development of courses like this to further train individuals as well as bring new members into the field.

Q: Would the new broad certification test be any more or less difficult than the current ATP or ATS exam?

A: The new test will essentially be equivalent to the current tests. Currently there are 150 of the 200 questions are common to both the ATS and ATP exams. The remaining 50 questions will be derived from the same knowledge base. The same content area would be covered and the exam is still intended as an basic level (with experience) certification in the broad field of AT.

Q: Sounds like the bar is being lowered to accommodate those suppliers/sales reps who can't pass the original ATS exam.

A: The bar will not be lowered. The exam outline and content will be the same. There will no longer be separate “supplier” questions, vs. “practitioner” questions. This allows RESNA to test the core knowledge base more thoroughly within the same testing “real estate”.

Q: If it aint' broke, don't fix it. What is wrong with the system we have now? I was proud to acheive the ATP certification. If it's so "entry level" then why have so many failed it? I think this is a "white wash" to dilute the pool.

A: The primary problem with current system is that it is based on “roles.” Over the years, people working as an ATP have switched roles to work for suppliers; some ATSs have moved to the ATP side. They have been able to maintain their initial certification in the past regardless of this change in role, and many have renewed their certification multiple times already. When those changes occur, we do not have a defensible mechanism to convert people from one to the other, as the core knowledge on which they are tested is the same. A number of scenarios were considered by the PSB to address this problem. It was concluded the best approach was a common certification that tested basic AT knowledge.

The proposed exam will test the same knowledge base as the current ATP. Those who have had trouble passing the ATP or the ATS exam will not find the new exam any easier. It is important to note, the new certification exam does NOT lower the bar. No matter what a person’s background is, they will still be required to pass the exam in order to be certified.

The test is intended to draw a line between those who have demonstrated basic AT knowledge and those who have not. Having a single certification does not undermine the value of the current certification of ATP or ATS, which still demonstrate who has shown competency in the knowledge tested.

Q: Was the ATS/ATP system broken? Then why "fix" it? Oh yeah, more exams, more money...I get it now.

A: The proposed certification does, indeed, fix a number of problems with the current program. (See response above)

There will be NO additional exams for those already certified. There will be NO additional costs to those already certified.

The new certification exam will replace the current ATP and ATS exams and will become available through computer-based testing, facilitating access for everyone around the country, and around the world. RESNA is planning to help increase the visibility and value of your current (and the new certification) – in most cases, this baseline will be all that is needed. Specialty certification will be developed only as the need and demand for it is present, and it is only to demonstrate advanced knowledge. This can be done in many ways besides an exam. For instance, it could be offered as specialty training or certificate programs, or other methods like a portfolio.

Q: I think this is a ploy to dilute the ATP Certification. I find it hard to believe enough ATS's have control over the PCB to force them to reduce ATP to equal ATS. In the mind of consumers, payors, and the medical profession they are not the same thing at all. Looking at only a few other professions it is clear that a more advanced level of practice is recognized. One example is MT and MLT for medical technologist. I strongly believe this idea needs much for thought prior to it moving forward. I also think a change as large as this should go before the entire membership for vote.

A: There is no “ploy” or sinister motive in proposing the new certification. The PSB (Professional Standards Board) and the RESNA Board of Directors (who have decided to pursue the new certification) have the best interests of RESNA certificants, members and consumers in mind. The ATP certification is not diluted, as the same knowledge base will be tested. The ATP, whether working in a medical, educational, employment, or other setting will demonstrate that they have a core knowledge, and their licensure, formal training, and experience will determine what they area able to do.