The State Capitol Building in Austin, TX
Good news came out of Austin last week, with the governor’s signing of SB202 that continues licensing for respiratory therapists. “Our congratulations to the TSRC and AARC members in Texas,” said Frank Salvatore, AARC President. “We know they worked very hard to make this happen.”
Russell Graham, TSRC President, led the charge to ensure licensing remained in place for respiratory therapists, after a Texas Senate committee questioned the value in maintaining that licensing board for RTs and 19 other occupations in the state.
Through grassroots efforts, appearances before the Texas legislature, letter-writing campaigns, visits to Texas legislators and more, a year-long effort to solidify licensure in the state paid off. AARC staff members also made a visit to Austin to testify before the committee in hearings last year.
The Texas bill, SB202, moves the administration of respiratory therapy licensure out from the umbrella state licensing agency where it has been for decades directly to the Texas Medical Board, a change heralded by many involved in the licensing process. Under the Medical Board a Respiratory Care Advisory Council will be created to address important issues to the profession and collaborate with the Medical Board.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
