Editor's Notes      Laura Lucas

Speaker's Report      Ruth Krueger

Speaker-elect's Report      LaDawn Neary

Secretary's Report      Michelle Porter

Treasurer's Report      Barbara Fedak

Past Speaker's Report      Jonathan Lee

P & T Committee Report      Jacque Coons

Press Release      Kari Fritz

Membership Figures

Upon arrival to the House of Delegates Meeting in San Antonio, we were all still reeling from the events of September 11th. Though many of us were fearful of boarding airplanes, we did so. We did not let the threat of terrorism keep us from coming together as a group. I was proud of all of the practitioners that attended the HOD Meeting, AARC Board Meeting and International Congress -- I think we made a statement by doing so.

I have thought a lot about the meeting in San Antonio -- we had the opportunity to stand tall as citizens of this great country, we accomplished a great deal of business, and we had the chance to reunite with old friends. As I sat in the HOD Meeting and looked around, I felt so blessed to be associated with such a fine group of individuals -- you all truly are the best! [Top]

2002 Strategic Planning
During the BOD meeting in Dallas the Strategic Planning Committee met and looked long ('til 11 pm) and hard at our strategic plan. We brainstormed about what areas we are doing well with and what areas are we missing the boat on. One question that Sam posed was "If you could redo the AARC from the ground up, what would it look like". To be truly visionary about that question, thoughts of finances needed to fly out the window. Envisioning a worldwide organization of respiratory therapists who shared the same credentialing process and similar education would be an awesome thought. Then add in that all the therapists were AARC or IARC (International) members over 1 million strong -- that would be an even more awesome thought. These dreamy thoughts took up very little of our time that night. What we really focused on were the important things that need to be done NOW to continue to move this profession forward.

The two main areas that were identified as needing immediate attention were membership (as always), and the operational needs to allow the AARC to continue to work at promoting the profession. An important piece of the strategic plan that was identified by both the committee and the BOD is that we need to expend our energy on the follow through -- and not just identifying objectives. Other categories of the strategic plan that were further defined were clinical practice, leadership, recognition and human resources.

It's exhilarating to look at a strategic plan when you have unending resources. But when you look at everything that should and could be done with our profession and then counter that with the limited manpower and financial resources, it becomes exhausting trying to sort through what is most important and where to spend our energy and $$. This is where our challenge comes in. In Keystone I would like to resurrect the focus groups and look at a few of the important objectives that were identified and see if the brilliant minds of the House can come up with some concrete suggestions for improvement.

In closing, remember, the things that come to those who wait may be the things left by those who got there first! [Top]

Wow! It was nice to see the activity on the HOD list recently. Even though the subject matter seemed a little more tedious than anticipated, I think I can speak for the House Officers, that we really appreciated the great dialogue and input into the e-vote process. Michelle is currently working on revising the e-vote proposal based on those comments and will distribute them prior to our Keystone meeting for your review and vote.

I hope that we can continue our line of communication through the list. Since our meetings have been cut back to two days, the biggest complaint has been lack of networking time. Trying to share issues through our list could potentially cut back our meeting time even more in order to allow for that networking to take place. Keep the thoughts flowing!

Speaking of communicating, I've already been getting together with AARC President Elect, David Shelledy. Although we haven't really been working on anything specific for next year, it's been great to be able to get the dialogue going between us.

Ruth and Peg did request that David and myself review the AARC and HOD policy and procedures for updates. In addition, I've also been reviewing the Delegate Handbook in its entirety. So when you receive your agenda books for Keystone, please take the time to review my report as the changes in Policy and Procedures (our House Rules) will be listed there.

Finally, I'd like to thank you all for having the confidence to elect me into this position. It is a great honor and the highlight of my career. I hope I can live up to your expectations and look forward to your help and expertise as my next three years develop. [Top]

Resolutions Refresher
The March Board of Directors meeting held in Dallas, Texas was an eye-opening experience for me. I was able to see the BOD in action and view how they utilized their e-vote process in relation to their resolutions. I hope this will provide some insight to our own e-vote process we will be using in the House.

The Board of Directors was able to utilize their e-vote throughout the month prior to the meeting to vote on issues freeing up valuable time for other discussions at the meeting. They too realized there are certain issues or resolutions that are presented that require face-to-face discussion and should not be utilized for the e-vote. As members of the House we will be able to follow suit and ratify our own process when we all meet in Keystone.

The resolutions process we have in the House continues to improve. As part of the HOD meeting in San Antonio, a resolution came to the floor that only the electronic format should be used to submit resolutions. This simplifies the process for everyone, including the resolutions committee, which is required to review all resolutions before bringing them to the House. As technology advances, we find ourselves becoming more dependent on computers and electronic communication. This saves us money on paper and postage, as well as making communication between our large group faster. The e-vote and utilizing an electronic resolution submission is another cost and time saver.

An important part of the resolutions process is the inclusion of the financial impact each resolution will have on the AARC. A statement of monetary impact must be included in each resolution or else they will be sent back to the author(s) for clarification. Barb Fedak, our treasurer is a great resource. She has the experience and tools needed to help delegates ascertain the financial needs each resolution will require.

Part of what makes our professional organization successful is the ability to make changes. We do this through process changes within our group and by submitting resolutions. An individual therapist can take an idea to their chartered affiliate boards. As delegates we bring those ideas to the House where the idea is discussed, chewed upon, sometimes amended and voted on before being forwarded to the Board.

I look forward to working together on our resolutions and seeing you all in Keystone. [Top]

On March 5, 2002 the Audit Committee, chaired by LaDawn Neary, held a conference call with the auditors from Grant Thornton, to review the audit and have an opportunity to ask questions. The other people on this committee are AARC President Elect David Shelledy and Secretary/Treasurer Beth Green. Joining us from the Executive Office was Bill Dubbs, Associate Executive Director and Tony Lovio controller.

The audit reviewed the consolidated statements of the financial position of the AARC as of December 31, 2001. Comments by Grant Thornton included the need to maintain timely bank reconciliations, the suggestion that the AARC implement an accounts payable module of the accounting software package being used, and continue to take action on all past-due accounts in accounts receivable. The latter has been an ongoing project this past year and Tony states that he anticipates to have this completed in the next three months.

The independent audit concluded that the AARC is operating in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

The AARC Finance Committee met March 7. In attendance were the Speaker Elect and Treasurer as members of this committee. In addition to committee members, the meeting was also attended by AARC Officers, Directors, House Officers and AARC Executive Office staff. Tony Lovio, controller, reviewed the year-end financial statement with all in attendance. He also did a detailed tutorial on how to look at financial statements due to the number of new people on the board and at the request of President Traband. I think everyone felt that this was extremely helpful.

A non-budgeted travel expense of $726.68 was presented and approved for Karen Stewart to attend the JCAHO key stakeholder meeting February 1, 2002. There were no other non-budgeted expenses to address at this time.

AARC 2001 Financials
At the June meeting of the House of Delegates the AARC Treasurer, Beth Green, will present a full report of the 2001 financial statement. At this time I will just highlight some points from the statement and hope that in doing so you will see why the need to increase AARC membership remains a critical issue for all of us.

For the year 2001 annual total revenue was 20% below budget. Revenue comes from four major categories: dues, advertising, product sales, and conventions.

In the membership category total members were budgeted at approximately 35,230 for yearend and actual was approximately 30,700 which accounts for a shortfall in this category.

Publication revenue was 27% less than budget for the year due to a combination of fewer ads, the publication of Signature and the discontinuation of the Sub Acute Care Publication.

Product revenue was 12% behind budget for the year. While the budget was not met RC Week was very successful and more products were sold than any other time in AARC history. Promotional items had the greatest success with books being the greatest disappointment.

Convention revenue was 6% lower for the year. Despite the tragedy of September 11 the convention was very successful and registration was above what we had in Cincinnati the previous year. I think there was an expectation that convention attendance might be significantly down at the San Antonio meeting due to decreased travel occurring in the U.S. after September 11.

In addition to the four categories already mentioned there is also investment income, which in the past, has been a significant amount. This year the unrealized loss on securities was substantial and investment income was 67% below budget. Interest rates and market conditions with their downward spiral the past year has also impacted AARC revenue this year.

A review of the financials shows that expenses have been held in line, coming in at 11% below budget. Although membership revenue only accounts for about approximately 25% of total revenue it is still important that everyone works to increase our membership numbers. Higher membership will ultimately create a larger base to generate increased revenue in product sales, convention revenue and ultimately attract more advertising because we are reaching a larger audience.

Delegates can have a substantial role in conveying the importance of AARC membership by increasing their communication with their respective affiliate boards and in doing so facilitate a better understanding of the importance of professional involvement and support. [Top]

Board of Directors action update on House Recommendations:

HR 06-01-24 "Resolved that the AARC Board offer a credit card billing process that would offer the member to pay the membership dues over a three-month period, with the transaction cost passed on to the member" was referred to the Executive office to investigate feasibility.

HR 20-01-19 "Resolved that a feasibility study be implemented to explore (via proforma) that the State of Hawaii be selected as the site of a future International Respiratory Congress or Summer Forum" was referred to the Program Committee.

HR 07-01-20 "Resolved that the AARC Executive Office notify the State Affiliate President of any written communication with the State Licensing Board" was referred to the Executive Office.

HR 16-01-21 "Resolved that the AARC publicize the fact that a member has the option of selecting the Affiliate of their choice by designating a space on the initial and renewal application" was referred to the Executive Office.

HR 20-01-23 "Resolved that the AARC Board consider the City of Dallas, Texas as a site for the International Congress and/or Summer forum and rotate this site with other sites" was referred to the Program Committee.

HR 57-01-25 "Resolved that the AARC, prior to proposing any future increases in membership dues, provide the state affiliates and the membership with specific financial information explaining the need for the proposed increase and how the increase will be utilized" was referred to the President-elect.

I would like to add that, conducting our HOD business on the list serve has been a wonderful tool for us all. Keeping the HOD /AARC family in touch in a broad, fast, cheap and limitless manner, minus the cost of postage, stationary, staff labor and expense required to process the envelopes. This has resulted in a tremendous positive financial impact for our AARC in using this medium, as well, these days the delicate issue of mail safety.

Over the years, I have seen (thanks to the listserv), the level and degree of communication and unity between all HOD members increased incredibly, enabling us to be a more effective and responsive organization dealing with issues in preparation for our full and busy regular meetings.

Of particular note as well is the access the HOD Officers enjoy on the BOD listserv, enhancing communication and understanding with the two bodies that had been unprecedented just a few years ago. Fostering a strong, healthy pulse created by the synergy of the right and left heart of our organization and sensed throughout our membership body (sorry, couldn't resist).

When it comes to holding an e-vote on the HOD listserv the element at stake here is not so much the voting process I feel, indeed this aspect is not to be considered lightly, but the essence here is about being engaged in issues of the moment. I believe that indeed very few actions will go this route, based upon the leadership of the seated Speaker and Executive Committee at the time and the trust placed in these elected Officers by the body of the House.

This initiative is more about gaining flexibility and inclusion and being able to quickly respond to an issue than forgoing the engagement in the process that we want, that's why we are in the HOD, to be involved in the governance of our association. Yet, how many times in the past has an "emergency resolution" come to the floor, and several delegations feel paralyzed in discussion, as they have not had the opportunity to confer with their state BOD on the issue prior to a vote for action.

Thankfully, the listserv has helped to significantly reduce these emergent resolutions, yet we may still need to take action on an issue more frequently than our scheduled twice- annual meetings.

By our nature, we are prompt and prepared responders let us not miss this call to arms, this preparedness plan. [Top]

Survey Results
On behalf of the Progress and Transition Committee, I am submitting a report of the HOD Effectiveness Survey Results. Our committee received 34 surveys back at the meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you again for your help in filling out the surveys and returning them. The questions and averaged number responses as well as comments are listed below. If you have any questions, please contact Jacque Coons, the 2001 P & T Committee chair.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Somewhat Agree
2 - Somewhat Disagree
1 - Strongly Disagree

1. The AARC House of Delegates is an appropriate forum for comprehensive reporting of AARC activities. 3.91
2. The leadership of the House of Delegates consistently attempts to promote involvement of the chartered affiliates. 3.66
3. Communication between the AARC HOD and BOD is generally effective and continues to improve. 3.68
4. The resolution process is an effective means of promoting changes within the AARC. 3.32
5. The "Open Microphone" session provides an effective means of introducing new ideas and fostering cohesiveness. 3.68
6. The resolution process allows for timely input into AARC strategic planning. 3.26
7. The format of the AARC HOD provides good opportunities for both formal and informal networking. 3.84
8. The HOD Committee system promotes affiliate involvement in planning and impacting the direction of the HOD and the AARC. 3.38
9. The HOD is an effective means of addressing key affiliate issues through existing AARC structure. 3.47

• Budget review and explanation was helpful.
• Current issues and open microphone are great means to foster ideas, get immediate feedback, etc. The networking that takes place at HOD meetings will be greatly missed, as this is my last meeting. And, I will really miss the fun people in the house!!
• Many resolutions seem superficial. I feel that some of these are a waste of time and not geared toward appropriate organizational change.
• It is an honor and privilege to serve on the HOD. If wonder if the new "efficient" mode of the HOD may inadvertent stifle controversial issues for the sake of expedience. This is not by design, or even obviously stated, but I just wonder.
• Excellent.
• Resolutions do not come in a completed manner, i.e., no financial implications. Get people to use the list serve correctly; please... It clogs up my email when people respond incorrectly. Thanks.
• Nice job.
• Not enough feedback on what happens with the resolutions.
• Great meeting.

For Immediate Release
February 3, 2002

Contact: John A. Wolfe, RRT
3213 Wedgewood Court
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-282-3861

By John A. Wolfe, RRT

Loveland, CO - Kari Fritz, RRT, was chosen to carry the Olympic torch on January 30th, through her hometown of Loveland, Colorado.

Valerie Chamberlain, who has been at times both Kari's friend and home care patient, nominated her for the honor. When Valerie, a thirty-six year-old single mom, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer that had metastasized to her lymphatic system, she found that the health care system was well prepared to treat her illness. Her family, however, was often left confused by the medical jargon and frightened by the gravity of her condition.

"Kari was there to support me," said Valerie, "but even more importantly, she's made the difference for my family." Kari's experience as a respiratory therapist, combined with her caring nature helped prepare her to provide the support they needed. Kari was able to help eliminate the confusion and misunderstanding that is so common for families facing a major medical crisis.

"My respiratory therapy background helped prepare me," said Kari "I could help educate, and hopefully bring some peace to the situation."

Kari said carrying the Olympic torch was "absolutely the most exhilarating experience I have ever had. It was just awesome." [Top]

Active -- 23,201
Foreign -- 272
Honorary -- 25
Industrial -- 1,878
Life -- 52
Physician -- 206
Student -- 4,237
Special -- 564

TOTAL -- 30,435