Stevenson

Legislation that would create a new classification for those apprenticing to become certified real estate appraisers recently passed the state House of Representatives, said Rep.

Dick Stevenson, R-8th, author of the bill."Currently, there is no official designation in state law for individuals studying to become certified real estate appraisers, even though they need upwards of 2,000 to 3,000 hours in order to sit for the exam," said Stevenson, who has been a certified real estate appraiser for more than 25 years."If there was to be another classification in state licensure for trainees, this would not only help those learning this profession, but it would also allow the Department of State to know who is in training and apply disciplinary action, if any is ever needed."Presently, there is only a voluntary registration with the Department of State, with no known official estimate of the number of apprentices.The measure would create the additional licensure classification, Stevenson said.Stevenson said the legislation enhances consumer protection."Under this legislation, any trainee making a substantial contribution to an appraisal, such as describing or entering the property, would be listed on the report," he said. "This ensures that consumers know who is entering their property and for what purpose."The bill also increases the members of the state Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers from 7 to 11.The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.———U.S. Rep.

Jason Altmire, D-4th, this week commented on a report that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' new competitive bidding program could put hundreds of Western Pennsylvania's small medical equipment suppliers out of business.He said such a scenario would jeopardize the care of patients and cost hundreds of people their jobs.In addition to holding a hearing in October to investigate the economic and health care costs associated with CMS' competitive bidding program, Altmire has also co-sponsored the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Act.This would allow eligible suppliers to continue providing equipment and services to Medicare patients at the lower competitive bid rate established by CMS, even if they were not initially awarded a contract.Altmire is also pressing CMS to be more forthcoming about how the competitive bidding program will impact small businesses."The report released by Robert Morris University (Monday) adds to a mounting body of evidence that indicates CMS' competitive bidding program is a bad deal for small medical equipment suppliers and the patients they serve."I am deeply concerned that CMS is moving ahead with implementing its new competitive bidding program without truly accounting for the toll it could take on our local economy."I will continue pressing CMS to make commonsense changes to its competitive bidding program so that we can find an effective way to cut costs without unfairly squeezing small medical equipment suppliers out of the marketplace and jeopardizing patient care."