WASHINGTON--With the intent of focusing its resources squarely on the volatile home medical equipment industry, the American Association for Homecare will discontinue its Home Health Advisory Council on April 1.

"To best reflect the current membership, AAHomecare will focus its efforts on home medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies such as oxygen, rehab and assistive technology, inhalation drugs, medical supplies, medical gases, sleep apnea, infusion therapy and related areas," the association announced in its weekly newsletter.

Home health companies (those that have listed home health as comprising half or more of their business) now make up only about 5 percent of the AAHomecare membership, according to Michael Reinemer, vice president, communications and policy.

"The vast majority of our members provide oxygen, rehab and mobility services, medical supplies, inhalation drugs and other equipment and therapies along those lines," Reinemer said, adding that the association estimates its 600 members operate about 3,000 facilities in 50 states. AAHomecare membership also includes manufacturers, consultants and state associations.

With industry-altering changes on the horizon such as competitive bidding, mandatory accreditation and continuing cuts in reimbursement, it makes sense to focus on HME, association leaders said.

"This change reflects the fact that we intend to increase our attention on core HME areas," said Tom Ryan, CEO of Homecare Concepts and AAHomecare chair. "HME benefits are again targets for federal budget cuts and require undivided attention from the association in terms of government affairs, research, public relations and grassroots activities."

In 2000, the former NAMES, HIDA and Home Health Services Staffing associations joined to establish AAHomecare, hoping to promote the industry's agenda with a stronger voice in Washington.

Despite disbanding its home health council, AAHomecare will "continue to champion the value and cost-effectiveness of all forms of home care," the newsletter said.

Reinemer said some home health agencies have said they intend to retain their AAHomecare memberships, and state associations representing HHAs have also said they will stay on.