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Live, from Austin, TX

By Shawna Strickland posted 06-25-2014 14:01

  
I must say that this trip to Austin to address the Sunset Commission has been an eye-opener for a number of reasons. I've not been a very politically active person so Cheryl West (bless her) has been getting me up to speed so that I understand not only the basic issue but the consequences of the potential actions that could be taken by the Sunset Commission.

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.
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07-02-2014 23:16

I completely agree with all comments. I was extremely proud to be a Texas RCP at those hearings last week. I was so very proud and grateful to the support of the TSRC and the AARC. It truly was a proud moment for our profession, especially for our students to see all of our RT's supporting the cause. It was obvious that no one was aware of what we did or the importance of our profession at the beginning but by the conclusion there was no doubt. It was a proud day! Thank you TSRC and AARC! Also to my fellow RTs.

06-27-2014 00:06

I too was at the proceedings on the second day. The networking with many colleagues in the hallway was invaluable in learning this whole process and formulating a presentation, if one elected to testify. Once I learned how many were testifying, I elected as a veteran of this profession to allow other colleagues to speak. If I had spoken, I was planing to speak to patient safety as the core theme (2014 TJC Hospital National Safety Goals : http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/2014_HAP_NPSG_E.pdf) tying in my experiences as a non-regulated profession in the early 1970's. While I did not speak, I will be ready for the call from the TSRC on any sub-committee issues. I was extremely proud, that day to see the outgoing support as we stood to "fight the fight". Be a steward of this profession and spread the word through social media and other avenues. Best Wishes to my colleagues----

06-26-2014 18:39

Thanks Shawna,As one of those RTs who testified, I thank you for your observation. As Delegate from Texas I am very interested in our profession and the patients we serve.
As you may or may not know, our President Elect, Russell Graham and I were asked by the Chief of Staff and General Councel from the Chair of the special Ad Hoc committee you mentioned, to be part of the process as advisory personel. They see us as a large stakeholder. Just an FYI.
What I really want to sayu here is that I am proud and overwhelmed by the support and oupouring of emails, phone calls etc. from my fellow Texas RTs. If not for them, we might be in a different place.
I also want to say thanks to the Texas Medical association who stood up for us, the radiological techs and perfusionists (who were also on the chopping block) Thank you TMA.
I am prouder today than I was a week ago to be an RT in Texas!!!
Terry Glimore, Delegate Texas