The American College of Chest Physicians is joining with the AARC to support the Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative with an action alert to their members.

The ACCP has asked their members to support S 343 and HR 1077 by writing to their members of Congress. In a letter to their members, the AACP says, “Under general supervision, a qualified respiratory therapist would be able care for patients by providing asthma education and smoking cessation services, and educating patients regarding the appropriate use of medications while the physician is providing patient care at the hospital.”

Furthermore the ACCP explains that, “The practical application of HR 1077/S 343 also would allow for extending ventilator home care to more patients, increasing the safety of home mechanical ventilation, lowering overall healthcare costs, and ensuring accurate and informed drug use by patients outside of the acute care hospital environment.”

The legislative alert issued to ACCP members educates them about the goals of S 343/HR 1077 and calls them to action. “Medical evidence supports the efficacy of services delivered by qualified respiratory therapists.”