June 26, 2008
Pulmonary Rehab, Home Care Legislation Entering the End Game
The pulmonary rehab legislation is now included in both the House and
Senate versions of the Medicare Package and is working its way through
Congress. But the Senate must decide on its bill and then a final version
will still have to be negotiated between the two houses, so we need to
continue to contact our members of Congress, urging their support.
The House bill also contains
provisions to delay competitive
bidding for home care equipment (the program is set to go
into effect on July 1) and repeal a previous provision calling for oxygen
patients to assume ownership of their equipment after 36 months of continuous
rental. When you write your members of Congress in support of the pulmonary
rehab language, be sure to support these important provisions as well.
Friday is Last Chance to Register for Asthma Course, CPT Program
Friday is the last day to register for the Asthma Course and Clinical Preceptor Training (CPT) Program coming up at the Summer Meetings, July 9–14. Registration for the Summer Forum, July 11–13, is available up until the meeting date.
AARC Represents Profession at Latest HOSA Conference
The AARC once again provided great information about careers in respiratory
care to high school students attending the National Leadership Conference
of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). High school faculty
advisors were on hand as well, and many specifically asked to have a respiratory
therapist come speak to their classes about the great opportunities available
in the profession.
Association Joins Effort to Educate CMS on VAP
The move at CMS to refuse payment for preventable conditions that should never occur—including some hospital acquired infections—is certainly laudable. But the AARC and other groups are working to educate the government agency on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), noting no scientific evidence exists suggesting VAP can always be prevented, thus making it an inappropriate candidate as a “never event.”
Two Bits of Roundtable News
Two new Roundtables are forming now to meet the needs of AARC members with
special interest in the military
and moderate
sedation. The Roundtables were added after members expressed
an interest in joining with like-minded colleagues.
One new Roundtable is being
considered. If you have an interest in hyperbaric
medicine and think you'd support a network, please sign in.
Good Press: AARC Members in the News
Take a few minutes to review our latest issue. We think you’ll be interested to see who’s been making news—and where they’ve been covered. (Hint: one AARC member was even featured in Time Magazine.)
Protocol Manual is Updated
If you use protocols in your respiratory service, or if you plan to implement protocols, you’ll want to check out Respiratory Care Patient-Driven Protocols 3rd Edition. It’s an excellent resource for the development, implementation, or refinement of care plans. Order Item # SW0025 online at the AARC Store or call 972-243-2272. Nonmember price is $130.00; member price $90.00. Members save $40.00!
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