AARC Issue Papers are board-approved statements and research reviews on professional topics such as productivity, safety, and best practices.
Current Issue Papers
Entry to Respiratory Therapy Practice 2030
The purpose of this document is to demonstrate the need to advance the minimum education of a respiratory therapist from an associate degree to a baccalaureate degree and to advance the licensure of practitioners to the RRT credential for entry to practice. (Review the Executive Summary)
RRT Credential
This issue paper stresses the importance on obtaining the advanced credential of the profession and provides information on the reasons an individual should obtain the RRT credential.
Safe Initiation And Management Of Mechanical Ventilation
This issue paper aims to improve the safe initiation and management of mechanical ventilation. Published by the AARC and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC).
RRT Credential
This issue paper stresses the importance on obtaining the advanced credential of the profession and provides information on the reasons an individual should obtain the RRT credential.
Respiratory Care: Advancement of the Profession Tripartite Statements of Support
The AARC, NBRC and CoARC have issued a statement on the advancement of the profession.
Improving Access to Respiratory Care
This white paper details the most pressing access barriers facing patients suffering from respiratory health conditions — and related policy solutions and is a collaboration of the Respiratory Therapy Access Working Group from the Institute for Patient Access.
Retired Issue Papers
Utilization in Respiratory Care
An issue paper describing utilization review in acute and post acute settings. This paper has been retired.
Guidelines for Acquisition of Ventilators to Meet Demands for Pandemic Flu and Mass Casualty Incidents
This issue paper gives recommendations about ventilator acquisitions and other issues that should be considered when planning for a pandemic flu or other mass casualty event. This paper has been retired.
