AAOS Now, November 2016
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Anatomy of a Congressional Office
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) generally holds its annual National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC) in early May. However, the Congressional calendar varies from year to year, and members of the House of Representatives or the Senate may be back in their districts during NOLC. As veterans of nearly 20 NOLC events, we've overheard AAOS fellows and spouses say, "What's the use of my attending if my representative is not in?" This is a complaint without merit.
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What's Next for Congress?
Before lawmakers returned to their districts to focus on their campaigns, they approved a spending measure that will keep the government open through Dec. 9, 2016. The measure also appropriated funds to combat the Zika virus, and addressed the water crisis in Flint, Mich. However, when members of Congress return, they will face pressure to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal 2017 and address any remaining legislative priorities.
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Second Look – Advocacy
These items originally appeared in AAOS Headline News Now, a thrice-weekly enewsletter that keeps AAOS members up to date on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, with links to more detailed information. Subscribe at www.aaos.org/news/news.asp (member login required) The U.S.
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South Carolina Supreme Court Overturns Ban on Integrated Care
In a major win for the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the South Carolina Supreme Court agreed with two orthopaedic surgeons in their decade-long fight to protect the integration of physical therapy (PT) and physician services. In Joseph v. South Carolina Department of Labor, the court overturned a previous ruling and held that physician practices should be able to employ physical therapists.
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House Passes Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act
On Sept. 12, 2016, the House of Representatives passed HR 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, by voice vote. This bipartisan measure would provide licensure clarity for sports medicine professionals. Introduced by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Cedric Richmond (D-La.), the legislation will clarify medical liability rules to ensure that team providers are properly covered by their professional liability insurance while traveling with athletic teams in another state.