January 28, 2010

Action Alert: Write Members of Congress Today
With Congress coming back in session and health care reform in flux, the AARC is asking all of its members to step back up and write their legislators in support of the Medicare Part B Respiratory Therapy Initiative. This bill, pending in the House as HR 1077 and the Senate as S 343, would significantly increase the ability of RTs with both a bachelor’s degree and the RRT credential to deliver services such as smoking cessation counseling, pulmonary rehabilitation, patient education, and compliance monitoring for inhaled medications.

AARC Congress RFPs Due by Sunday
Time is quickly running out to submit your RFPs for topics and speakers at the 2010 AARC International Respiratory Congress in Las Vegas, NV, this Dec. 6–9. The deadline is this Sunday, Jan. 31. Click on the link to weigh in with your suggestions.

Government Posts Info for Disaster Volunteers
Many AARC members want to help, but where to start? The Department of HHS has a website with instructions on registering as a volunteer in disaster-related situations.

Two New Webcasts Accepting Registrants Now
AARC members can now register for two upcoming webcasts: Conventional Mechanical Ventilation of the Neonate: Is Pressure or Volume a Better Target?, presented by Steven M. Donn, MD, on Feb. 3, and Tobacco Cessation—Never Quit Quitting, presented by Helen Sorenson, MA, RRT, FAARC, on Feb. 17. Each of these great programs will earn you one free CRCE for attending the live session.

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