The National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers says it will participate in a discussion of the key issues that separate the supplier community surrounding oxygen reform. The Aug. 18 meeting will focus on reaching an agreement on the content of an oxygen reform proposal. 

The meeting, initiated by Phil Porte, leader of the National Association of Medical Directors in Respiratory Care and the National Home Oxygen Patients Association, will be hosted by Paul Billings, leader of the American Lung Association at the ALA’s Washington office.

The clinical community will be represented on the panel by leaders of NAMDRC, NHOPA, and ALA, as well as representatives from the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thorasic Society. These five organizations have stated public opposition to the Ross bill, HR 3220, according to NAIMES.

Five small supplier representatives, led by NAIMES president and CEO Wayne Satnafield, are also slated to attend meeting.  Also attending:

• Mike Calcaterra, RTP, of Norco Inc. (Billings, Mont.) and Legislative Chair of Big Sky AMES.
• Jason Rogers of Care Medical (Athens, Ga.), and past president of GAMES and an original NOC member.
• Esta Wilman of Medi-Source Equipment and Supply (Yucca Valley, Calif.), member of the PAOC, and CAMPS representative on the State Leaders Council.
• David Petsch of Petsch Respiratory (Martinez, Ga.) and the managing director of CSI:HME.