News Now@AARC for August 11

AARC Continues to Support Air Travel for Oxygen Patients
The AARC has joined a new group formed by the Alpha-1 Foundation to ease air travel for oxygen patients. The Airline Oxygen Council of America is expected to play a big role in convincing legislators to build on last year's FAA regulations allowing certain portable oxygen concentrators onboard commercial airlines. . . .And in related news, last week's terror plot has created questions for oxygen travelers. We'll keep on top of the news on this front. Read more.

Senate Introduces Bill to Repeal Oxygen Caps
All that letter-writing on the part of AARC members and others interested in protecting vulnerable Medicare patients is paying off. A bill has just been introduced into the U.S. Senate to repeal provisions in the Deficit Reduction Act calling for the ownership of oxygen equipment to transfer to Medicare beneficiaries after 36 months. S 3814 will serve as companion legislation to a similar bill, HR 5513, in the House.

HHS Renews Call for Respiratory Therapists
The Assistant Secretary of Public Health Emergency Preparedness is renewing the call for respiratory therapists to join disaster response teams for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Please help us fulfill our mission by being a part of an important cadre of professionals," says Assistant Secretary Vanderwagen. Read his letter and more information about these positions online.

Save on RC Week Orders by Sept. 1 with Early Bird Special
Respiratory Care Week (October 22-28, 2006) will be here before you know it. If you're working on plans and need some ideas, visit our planning site. There's still time to save 10% with early bird specials for the AARC Respiratory Catalog! Place an order for only $50 or more by September 1, 2006, and receive a discount of 10% on your total order. Applies to phone, fax and mail orders only. (Meeting/course registrations, CRCE Online, Professor's Rounds, online store orders and shipping are specifically excluded.)

AARC Applauds FDA on Compounding Ruling
The AARC and its partners in the Consumer Health Alliance for Safe Medication (CHASM) were pleased to learn the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken new steps to protect respiratory patients from unapproved inhalation medications. Compounded inhalation drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness and may expose patients to unnecessary risk.

Nashville Follows Successful Michigan Program
Asthma is on the radar screen for many. A successful ARCF/EPA program in Grand Rapids, MI, saw 450 RTs and nurses learn about indoor asthma triggers. Next up for asthma education? An offering of the AARC's popular Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Program in Nashville, August 26-27.

Good Press
Our latest list of AARC newsmakers highlights members who've been featured in stories on a mock disaster drill, a race down the Missouri River , oxygen bars, a hospital's purchase of new high frequency oscillatory ventilators, and more.