A Letter From the President, Adam Miller: May 2023

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on May 19, 2023

Happy May (already). It's hard to believe we are almost halfway into 2023.

So many great things are happening right now in our world, so it's hard to narrow it down to just a few highlights, but I am going to try.

Very recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with Jeff Brandt to discuss the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry. We discussed the importance, current status, and how much it has progressed in the last year or so. OPGA is proud to continue to support this initiative and thanks the entire team there for their efforts. If you missed it, you can listen to that conversation here.

From an advocacy side, I am excited to have joined other O&P stakeholders this month at the AOPA Policy Forum in Washington D.C. The hard work and diligence of so many working toward meaningful legislation that will result in positive change continues to amaze and inspire me. I looking forward to continue meeting with representatives from my state and thought leaders from around O&P.

Speaking of advocacy, I wanted to highlight the efforts at the state level in Colorado. As I am sure many of you are aware, the “So Kids Can Move Initiative” that kicked off at last year’s AOPA National Assembly has enjoyed tremendous success in several states. However, The Rocky Mountain Orthotic & Prosthetic Coalition and their members have worked tirelessly to bring legislation for Colorado House Bill 1136, also known as "So Coloradans Can Move." It started as a bill that would require private insurance companies to cover a secondary prosthesis specific to recreational activities for people living with limb loss/limb difference in Colorado under the age of 26. With a new amendment, the bill is now inclusive of all ages. They have recently shared that this bill passed almost unanimously through both the house and senate and is on the governor’s desk awaiting its passing into law. More details can be seen here.

This is such an incredible and inspiring example of the importance of being involved with your state association and what can be done at the state level to advance O&P care for the patients you serve. Congratulations on a job well done to all involved.

As always, thanks for what you do everyday for the O&P profession and the patients you serve.

Adam Miller