Just to give you an idea of why you see so many websites and businesses that sell used medical equipment. These businesses all must comply with state and federal regulations. Each state has their own permit and licensing requirements and application procedures.

If you are really interested in helping someone else by selling your used equipment, the safest way to do that would be to sell it to a licensed business. These businesses are required to verify the quality and functionality of all used equipment being sold. They are required by law to have specific training programs in place for their employees and also required by law to have specific permits under Pharmacy laws.

Just because forums and web sites do things every day, doesn't mean that it is legal or right. When it comes to medical equipment and supplies, it falls under completely different guidelines than selling automotive or craft items.

I am just trying to express how important it is to "look before you leap".

"C"

Not aimed at you C. Just more gubmnt BS.

I'm not selling my old stuff to medical equipment stores. I know what they do. I've dealt with used equipment vendors over the years. They buy it for 10 cents on the dollar and sell for 50 cents on the dollar. That doesn't help the people on here who have little to no insurance. They couldn't afford that $1,500 back brace and still can't afford it at $750.

So what if we do something where you "give" or "will" away a piece of hardware? Still the same legal BS ? Just "as is, where is" ?

Boy you try to help some people out with your old equipment that just might make their recovery better. And the government helps you out, NOT ....

I'm still waiting for hope and change...

OR - we could have a section called looking for or some such thing - where people post needed items and others who have the item could PM them and work it out privately

example:
Does anyone know where I could find a shower chair at. I really need one to help me shower safely.

**********************

So basically it would be a resource section - which everyone knows what it really is - but it would cover the sites rear end

From the exerpt you pulled:

(xi) Other similar equipment as defined in regulations adopted by the board.

The term "home medical equipment" does not include medical equipment used in the normal course of treating patients by hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities or home health agencies, or medical equipment used or dispensed by health care professionals licensed by the State of Mississippi if the professional is practicing within the scope of his or her professional practice. In addition, the term does not include items such as upper and lower extremity prosthetics, canes, crutches, walkers, bathtub grab bars, standard wheelchairs, commode chairs and bath benches.

Also from NC state laws there is nothing prohibiting me from selling anything that i did not get with a "prescription". The above listed devices do not require a "prescription" unless you are expecting your insurance to cover it.

So I have an old set of crutches laying around I don't need. I don't think I need a trained medical license to give these away. And since we own them I see nothing that says I can't put them out in the garage sale. Anything sold "as is, where is" like this is buyer beware. A TENS unit does not require a license or script to purchase.

I also found that I can take my blood pressure unit, a tens unit, and several other devices. Drop them off at the pharmacy and they will verify they are calibrated. Worst case I give you my old TENS unit. You pay some small charge for a professional shop to verify it.

Just some more reading I was doing and ideas on this.

Nothing should proceed regarding this proposal. Everyone can have their ideas of what some web sites have. But everyone needs to remember, since this is a privately owned site, they can have rules that no other private site has. It is up to the owners to decide what its best.

No other communities have free or lowcost healthcare places?

We have a place that will take ANYTHING short of narcotics or pills in capsule form.

The meds must be in the original bottle with nothing defaced and not expired. Equipment should be in working order.

The clinic charges NOTHING, it is run entirely on donations and grants. They ask for patients to contribute if they can.

Ron, I hope this is not considered "proceeding".
I'm just suggesting that avenues that don't involve home healthcare businesses to make money off of us and our insurance do exist.

I hope that after my vacation a decision has been made.
But just in case:
I have for sale

1 - Slightly used PICT line.. Only used for 3 months with a severe bone infection. But I am sure that cleaning it with clorox would fix everything

2 - 1 2" diameter by 1 inch depth Eschar. This was cut out of my back after my third degree burn. I wanted to keep this for ever, but what the heck. Its black, charred but interesting

I have a lot more in stock but wanted to see if I could get some to bidders on these.

At auction, they would probably sell for $250 each, but here we might have a bargin

And honestly I totally agree with it. Spine-Health is not the site to start doing a For Sale section.
However, I do beleive there is some merit in this.
If members want to handle this via private messages, then that is the way to go.
I am sure there are items that people would like to sell, now if there are takers, thats another question.
The idea that Graham put forward is very sound. It just does not fit into this public arena. I would encourage anyone who wants to participate in this, handle it via messages.

Ok it was just an idea. That is fair enough.

To answer Wrambler.

I never thought of this as a way for home health business to come in here and start stores. I know the potential for abuse. I've seen it on other forums.

My idea was that people on here could help each other out beyond cyber support.

The local free clinics here want money donations. In the form of checks, stocks, bonds, etc... I can't find one that wants used medical equipment. I also checked the state central organization.

The local mission wants money or basic survival goods. Like blankets, tooth brushes, etc... not a back brace.

Anything else donated to these organizations is like sending things to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. They just want items they can sell to get money to buy supplies. They like appliances and clothing, not crutches...

We donate to the rescue missions, women's shelters, salvation army, and the veterans admin every year. Both money and goods and help.

There's always Freecycle - http://www.freecycle.org

I've gotten rid of a lot of things that way.. and gotten a few useful things too!