The basic issue is that the RT licensure act comes under review every so many years. In Texas, this was scheduled to happen in 2014… and it did. The group produced a report that addressed a great number of issues within the government bodies. One of the recommendations of this report is to deregulate respiratory therapists; specifically, eliminate the regulatory process that Texas RTs currently undergo to legal work as a respiratory care practitioner.
The Sunset Commission isn’t bad, in and of itself; however, this recommendation is harmful for a great number of reasons. If you’re interested in reading the background and the implications, check out this AARC news article: http://www.aarc.org/headlines/14/06/texas_deregulation.cfm
My motivation for this blog is not to educate about the process (I would defer to my colleague Cheryl West for that!) but rather to record my observations during the 2 days I’ve been in Austin. As I sit here waiting to deliver testimony, I look around the viewing room, the hallways, and the hearing room and see respiratory therapists from all over the state supporting the profession. Yesterday, Senator Nichols reported that he has received countless phone calls, emails, and visits over the last 3 weeks from respiratory therapists in his district. He expressed great concern that a profession such as ours would be considered for deregulation. Several other representatives and senators on the commission appeared to echo his concerns and Chairwoman Nelson called together a subcommittee to address the regulation issues. We’re not done yet (and we haven’t given public testimony) but this is a good sign.
The one observation that has hit me over the head like a sledgehammer is not the response that the representatives and senators gave yesterday but the reason behind that response. What happened? Why are they reconsidering this recommendation rather than just taking it and running with it? It’s because the Texas respiratory therapists made their voices heard. We know that RTs around the country are behind the Texas RTs and praying for a positive outcome and that’s awesome. But what gets the job done isn’t a bunch of Facebook likes or well wishes, even though I love seeing these and personally feel that it helps morale and a feeling of connectedness…it’s nice to be supported. What has gotten us this far is hitting the pavement. It’s driving to the offices of the representatives and senators to talk about the issues. It’s writing letters and emails to voice concerns and educate about respiratory therapy. It’s using your status as a voting constituent in your district to make your voice heard and make sure your elected officials understand what is important to Texas citizens.
I am sending some SERIOUS kudos to the Texas Society for Respiratory Care, their leadership, and the Texas RCPs who are making a difference. It isn’t easy, it isn’t convenient, and it isn’t fun-but these people are dedicated to the profession and to the patients. I have spoken to countless RTs who took vacation time to be here. I’ve seen hundreds of RT students from around the state learning about the importance of licensure. I am awed by the dedication of these professionals and proud to find myself among these Texas RTs. (Yes-I am a proud Texas RCP, #76557.)
There is still a lot of work to be done but I am confident that the Texas RTs are ready for this challenge…and the AARC is there with you, as always, every step of the way.