History

NAAOP was founded by the dedication, energy, and passion of a small group of orthotic and prosthetic practitioners who wanted to do something about the lack of research dollars being put into O&P. These individuals along with NAAOP's founding staff sought to advance the O&P patient's well being and protect the O&P profession. Additionally, many of the founding members, staff, and directors knew orthotics and prosthetics from a personal perspective either as patients themselves or through family members who used the professional services of Prosthetist and/or Orthotists. NAAOP's founding and current Executive Director, George W. Breece, grew up with two people who had amputation[s]. Peter W. Thomas, NAAOP's General Counsel, had both legs amputated following an auto accident, and has walked with two prostheses since age ten.

NAAOP's first successful initiative was to advocate for research dollars for O&P. This resulted in the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at the National Institutes of Health. Peter Thomas was an original member of the National Advisory Council for the NCMRR of the NIH. O&P research is the principle focus of the center. Another milestone that put orthotics and prosthetics on a national forum was Peter Thomas's role as Chairman of the Subcommittee of The Patient Bill of Rights.

Over NAAOP's 20-year history, NAAOP's government relation's agenda has expanded to address national health care reform, Medicare and Medicaid reform, state policy formation, managed care standards, and Veterans Administration issues. As NAAOP's efforts evolved to meet new challenges, strategies became more defensive than offensive, and collaborative ties with partners more critical. Because the O&P profession is a relatively small field in healthcare, survival is dependent upon the ability to compete for representation in the larger healthcare arena.

Our members have been critical to the success of the association to date. Because of their commitment, O&P patients have had ongoing representation in Washington. Many of NAAOP's founding members have become leaders in the O&P profession and in the policy arena. Today, the O&P profession is benefiting from the efforts of key volunteer leaders who actively supported NAAOP's mission for the last twenty years.

You may review the history of NAAOP's results on behalf of the O&P profession by viewing the government relations updates and archives. NAAOP's government relations updates demonstrate NAAOP's vigilance for the profession and are also a valuable historical resource.