AARC Respiratory Care Fly-In Day in Washington D.C.

The Annual Respiratory Care Fly-In is a time for RTs to come together in Washington, D.C. to fight for their patients and the profession.

The Fly-In is a special collaboration between the AARC and our state affiliates. AARC pays for 4 nights hotel for 2 representatives and meals while advocates are in town. The state affiliate covers the cost of travel for the state representatives.

The advocates are known as Political Action Contact Team (PACT) members. AARC encourages respiratory therapists and pulmonary patients to participate in the Fly-in but individuals will have to cover the cost of the trip if they are not part of the state affiliate team. Members of the Executive Office, Voluntary Government Affairs Committee, and Board of Directors members generally join the PACT and other advocates in Washington, D.C.

2024 Washington D.C. Respiratory Care Fly-in

Connect, advocate, and make your voice heard alongside fellow respiratory therapy professionals on Capitol Hill, May 6–7.

Why Attend?

• Our annual return to Washington is a strong display of AARC’s continuous fight for legislation that advances the profession and betters the lives of respiratory therapists and patients. This year’s focus will be on oxygen reform, especially related to the SOAR Act that was introduced in February.
• Meet your representatives and engage directly with them to tell the important story of respiratory therapy and improved patient outcomes.
• Network with colleagues from around the country who are advocating for respiratory care issues.
• Make a difference! Your participation matters in advocating for our profession and those we serve.

Agenda

Day 1

11:00 – 12:00
Meeting Registration

12:00 – 12:15
Welcome

12:15 – 12:30
Opening Remarks

12:30–1:00
Break

1:00–2:00
Working Lunch

1:00 – 1:30
Sponsors of the SOAR Act HR 7829

1:30 – 2:00
What to Expect on the Hill: An Overview of What’s Happening in Congress and Our Asks

2:00–2:30
Patient Perspectives

2:30–3:00
The issues and the tools

3:00–3:30
Regulatory Affairs Overview and Activities

3:30–4:00
Orientation for First Time Attendees

4:00–4:15
Review of Tuesday and Closing Remarks

4:15
Dinner — on your own

Day 2

6:00–8:30
Hot Breakfast Buffet

8:30–5:30
Congressional Appointments

6:00–9:00
Sit Down Dinner Debrief