Member service organization VGM Group Inc. has launched an initiative to help advance state licensure for providing DME. The industry argued in a public statement that it wishes to help foster DME licensing in states in order to help increase local care quality; reinforce providers’ businesses; and create a new avenue for legislative success.
“The political landscape is ripe for licensure and now is the time for DME to be part of the broader health care conversation with legislators,” said Tom Powers of VGM Government Relations. “Requiring DME licensure within states will create safeguards for the medical industry and will raise the bar for local care”
Powers listed multiple reasons for state DME licensure:
- DME licensure protects providers’ business with minimal requirements.
- DME licensure makes it difficult for out-of-state providers to take business aware from providers established in that state.
- DME licensure promotes credibility and transparency in the HME industry, and essentially demonstrates that providers are “the good guys.”
- DME licensure fights competitive bidding, because it won’t let an out-of-state provider provide DME without following regulations
- DME licensure gives DME a spot at the policy table.
VGM created a toolbox for industry members interested in working on the DME licensure issue. To access the toolbox, visit www.vgmdclink.com, click on “resource center” and select “state licensure toolbox.”