June 19, 2008

ACT NOW to Support Pulmonary Rehab Legislation
The profession is as close as it’s ever been to Medicare coverage for pulmonary rehab, with legislation included in the Senate version of the Medicare Package working its way through Congress now. But to realize the end game, we need the House version to include the bill as well, and currently it does not. So please contact your members of Congress today and urge their support. The link will lead you to everything you need to write your Senators and Representatives.

Patients can access this same information on YourLungHealth.Org. Please encourage them to write in support of the legislation as well.

FDA Safety Update Targets Asthma Meds
The FDA has just issued a safety update on asthma medications, and the AARC is working with the government agency to spread the word among respiratory therapists. Specifically, reports suggest some patients are swallowing tablets intended for use in inhalation devices, and others indicate mood changes and safety issues with the administration of some standard medications.

BLS Subcommittee to Hear AARC Voice
The AARC has a new representative on the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care Basic Life Support Subcommittee. Long-time member Richard Branson will bring the RT’s voice to this influential group during its fall and spring meetings. The appointment came at the request of the AHA.

Allergy & Asthma Health Has Need-to-Know Info for Patients
The latest issue of the AARC’s online consumer magazine, Allergy & Asthma Heath, is out now and ready to educate on issues important to everyone with these respiratory conditions. Check it out, then share the link with your patients and their families.

Good Press Heads to the Archives
“Good Press” is one of the most popular features of the AARC web site because it lets everyone know how their fellow AARC members are garnering news coverage for the profession. Now you can peruse back issues of this feature via a new archives section.

Comments or questions? Do you wish to opt out of future emails? Send your requests to info@aarc.org