Is this a change in policy? I know for a fact that we have received equipment that was purchased by the VA. The families told me that they verified that they could donate this equipment by the VA?

Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATP

Assistive Technology Specialist

The ALS Association, Greater New York Chapter

42 Broadway, Suite 1724

New York, NY 10004

Phone: 212-720-3054

Fax: 212-619-7409

Email: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx

www.als-ny.org

"One cannot consent to creep when one has the impulse to soar" -- Helen Keller

From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alisa Brownlee
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 10:41 AM
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Cc: Susan Stone; Cynthia Knoche
Subject: VA info for the Listserv

I received this email from one of our nurse coordinators and wanted to share this with the list. This is important information for our veterans that are receiving AAC and other AT equipment from the VA.

I had the meeting the VISN 4 Chief of Prosthetics last week. It was stated that all items that are dispersed by the VA must be returned back to the VA for DME with the exception of walkers, crutches, cushions, commodes (small tickets items), etc…. This is to apply to all VA hospitals. He was going to put out an notification through internal emails to the VA hospitals of the policy. If you can please pass this on to the ALS coordinators would be appreciated.

I am also devising an equipment list for the vet to place in an area for the family of what equipment is the VA property and the contact information in getting the equipment picked up after the completion of use. There should be orange VA stickers on the VA equipment upon issuance.

Alisa Brownlee, ATP

Clinical Manager, Assistive Technology Services

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Association National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter

Direct Phone: 215-631-1877