SMS Complex Rehab Technology Standards and Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The RESNA Code of Ethics requires assistive technology professionals to:
- Prioritize payer requirements over client needs
- Hold client welfare as primary and maintain professional competence (Correct answer)
- Only recommend products from certified manufacturers
- Avoid documentation to protect client privacy
Correct answer: Hold client welfare as primary and maintain professional competence
The RESNA Code of Ethics places client welfare as the primary obligation and requires professionals to maintain competence through continuing education.
Question 2: When a client's needs exceed the SMS professional's scope of practice or expertise, the ethical obligation is to:
- Proceed anyway to avoid delaying care
- Refer to or consult with a more qualified professional (Correct answer)
- Document the limitation and continue without referral
- Defer to the physician's decision only
Correct answer: Refer to or consult with a more qualified professional
When a case exceeds the professional's competence, ethical practice requires referral or consultation with someone who has the necessary expertise.
Question 3: The 'team approach' in CRT provision typically includes which members?
- Physician, ATP/SMS, and DMEPOS supplier only
- Physician, rehabilitation therapist (OT/PT), ATP/SMS, supplier, and the client and caregivers (Correct answer)
- Insurance case manager, supplier, and physician only
- ATP, engineer, and manufacturer representative
Correct answer: Physician, rehabilitation therapist (OT/PT), ATP/SMS, supplier, and the client and caregivers
The CRT team typically includes the prescribing physician, a rehabilitation therapist (OT or PT), the ATP/SMS, the DMEPOS supplier, and most importantly, the client and their caregivers.
Question 4: Which organization specifically advocates for CRT as a separate, protected category of DME under Medicare?
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) (Correct answer)
- Joint Commission
- American Hospital Association
Correct answer: National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART)
NCART is a trade association specifically advocating for the CRT industry, including legislative efforts to protect CRT from competitive bidding and ensure appropriate funding.
Question 5: Which standard provides guidance for power wheelchair safety and performance testing?
- ISO 7176 series (Wheelchairs standard)
- ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards
- Both ISO 7176 and ANSI/RESNA standards (Correct answer)
- FDA Class II device regulations only
Correct answer: Both ISO 7176 and ANSI/RESNA standards
Both ISO 7176 (international) and ANSI/RESNA standards (US) provide test methods and performance requirements for powered wheelchairs, and they are harmonized to be largely equivalent.
Question 6: Maintenance responsibility for a complex rehabilitation technology device after delivery typically belongs to:
- The client's physician
- The DMEPOS supplier for warranty issues; client and caregiver for routine maintenance (Correct answer)
- The ATP who evaluated the client
- The insurance company that funded the device
Correct answer: The DMEPOS supplier for warranty issues; client and caregiver for routine maintenance
The DMEPOS supplier is responsible for warranty repairs and technical service, while the client and caregivers are responsible for routine maintenance such as charging batteries and cleaning.
SMS Complex Rehab Technology Standards and Ethics 2
The RESNA Code of Ethics requires assistive technology professionals to: