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President's
Message
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Chad J. Rye, RRT
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| When I first found out that I had been elected President-elect,
I thought WOW, what an honor it was just to be elected. I called my parents
to let them know the good news. One of the first things out of my Dad’s
mouth was: "When you become President next year, how do you think you will
do?" I finished my conversation with them and continued to contemplate
that same question. I actually became a bit anxious at the thought of representing
all therapists throughout Idaho, and being a voice for them at the state
level. I then remembered whom I was, a Respiratory Therapist dealing with
important issues regarding the profession for which I have an undwindling
respect. I also remembered that I would not be in this alone. I will be
working with individuals that I admire and who have my utmost respect. |
| I am very honored to represent you as this year’s President
of the ISRC. This position has had some amazing individuals in it, so I
will do my very best to fill those shoes. |
| I also encourage each of you to become actively involved
with the ISRC, as well as becoming a member of the AARC. The AARC is our
voice at the national level, and they truly do live up to their Vision/Mission
statement. |
| I want to end by inviting each of you to attend the ISRC's
Fall Conference to be held September 14th and 15th in Lewiston. Please
plan now to attend. |
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ISRC
Web Site
www.idasrc.org
Education
- Resources - Employment
- Meetings/Events - Scholarships
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Delegate
Report
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Rob DeVinaspre, MS.,
RRT.
ISRC Senior Delegate
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| Hi everyone. Here is my rendition from the House of Delegates
report from San Antonio, Texas. |
| The House of Delegates Resolutions were as follows: |
| Resolution # 00-05-17, |
“Resolved that the AARC recommend to the Veterans
Health Administration that they amend the Qualification Standard for Respiratory
Therapists to include language stating that Respiratory Therapists in Veteran
Administration Hospitals should meet licensure requirements of that particular
state, if applicable”. This resolution was sponsored by Tennessee, and
after a long debate the motion carried.
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| Following, were two emergency resolutions for those AARC
members who are located in zip codes affected by the natural disasters
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to the vote on these two resolutions,
the delegates from Louisiana and Mississippi gave some extremely descriptive
presentations on those areas affected by hurricane Katrina. Each presentation
was quite moving. |
| # 00- 05-28 (Emergency Resolution #1) |
“Resolved that the AARC Bylaws Committee and
the AARC Governing Body consider amending the bylaws to provide a mechanism
by which the AARC and the Chartered Affiliates can conduct annual business
in the event of a natural or man-made disaster (i.e.: voting process, revenue
sharing, operational process, etc.)” This Resolution was sponsored by LA.
And co-sponsored by MS. After considerable debate and argument, Robert
Fluck, Delegate from New York amended this resolution to state:
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“Resolved that the AARC and Chartered Affiliates
provide a mechanism by which the AARC and the Chartered Affiliates can
conduct business in the event of a natural or man-made disaster (i.e. voting
process, revenue sharing, operational process, etc.)”. The amended motion
carried.
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| Finally, Emergency Resolution #2 (#00-05-29) was voted
on. It is as follows: “Resolved that the AARC extend membership to AARC
members in zip code areas affected by natural or man-made disasters from
the hurricane season of 2005 for a period of one year at no cost. (Sponsored
by LA and co-sponsored by MS). Once again, Robert Fluck, Delegate from
New York amended this resolution to state: “Resolved that the AARC extend
membership to AARC members in zip code areas on the Gulf affected by Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita for a period of one year at no cost”. After heated discussion
and a postponement until the following day, the motion to amend was defeated.
Louisiana then presented a substitution for this resolution which stated:
“Resolve that the AARC automatically waive membership fees, without application,
for AARC members, with zip code in locations declared federal disaster
areas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, for one year, retroactive to August
31, 2005". Finally after considerable debate, this motion carried. |
| There are over 600 Respiratory Therapists located in
that area who were affected by these natural disasters. Can you imagine
a 30 to 50 foot wall of water with winds in excess of 100 miles per hour
coming at you? The right thing for the AARC to do was to support these
two emergency resolutions. |
| There was one last “Courtesy Resolution” at the end of
the HOD Meeting. |
| Courtesy Resolution # 65-05-32: “Whereas, we howled
at the moon’ last night, and Whereas, the food, drink and camaraderie facilitated
our unwilling after a long day of meetings, and Whereas, the Texas Society
for Respiratory Care carried the water to make this happen for everyone,
incidentally at no expense to anyone, and Whereas, the aforementioned ‘whereas’
greatly facilitated, expedited, and enhanced the operation of the HOD.
Be it resolved that the House of Delegates extends its most heartfelt thanks
and gratitude to the TSRC for their hard work on our behalf”. This MOTION
CARRIED. |
| I was totally was impressed by the welcomeness, and the
friendliness of the Texas delegate. My thanks and representation of ISRC
goes out to Joe Horn, and Roy Wagner, who are the Delegates for TSRC. They
have truly taken the ISRC under their arms. |
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Carrie
Massey
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(Editor’s note: I asked our Treasurer,
Carrie, to describe the role of a “clinical educator.”)
| I am a clinical educator for the
Respiratory Therapy Department at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
(EIRMC), in Idaho Falls. Although we are located in the far southeastern
side of the state, we have a lot to offer a Respiratory Therapist that
wants to practice current Respiratory Care. Idaho Falls also offers
great vacationing areas and outdoor activities. |
| I have been here at EIRMC for 2
years now and I am proud to say that this facility has a great working
environment. The therapist and physician relationships are strong
and entrusting. The RT is responsible for implementation of all types
of Respiratory Care as needed per patient; we are the ones to select the
proper device and settings. We have a level 1 ICU with 29 beds to
manage a wide variety of disease processes, from a pediatric asthmatic
to a severe closed head injury or ARDS patient. We are involved in
ICU multidisciplinary rounds daily to provide our suggestions & assessments
to the ICU team and I feel our input is valued. |
| As the educator, it is my responsibility
to provide the staff therapists, physicians and nurses with the most current
Respiratory Care practices. I ensure we are practicing evidenced
based medicine to provide the best care to our patients. I arrange
for all of the therapists education here, whether I am teaching or arranging
an O.R. rotation for intubation sign-offs. The most challenging part
of my job is staying current with the literature for all age groups, from
neonatal to geriatric. I pay close attention to the AARC Clinical
Practice Guidelines and subscribe to other journals, which can add up to
a lot of reading! I love to teach all whom I encounter and this position
allows me the opportunity to do so. I also enjoy all the gang that
is involved in the ISRC. Thanks for supporting our field of expertise!!! |
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Further
Delegate Report
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Rob DeVinaspre M.S.,
RRT
ISRC Delegate
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| Aside from the resolutions from the San Antonio trip,
here are some other key issues the AARC is involved with. Membership, RT
survey, and Government Affairs (HR 964, S1440, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita)
and their positive effects on Respiratory Therapists nationally. |
| The membership committee had the following recommendations
for recruitment: |
| Create a scholarship model to convert students to active
members. Recommendation from COARC was to shift the focus on the student
population to convert students to active members. Their thought was to
create a Scholarship model and survey current students, and members to
determine if they are members of AARC. They want to know why did you join
and why do you keep renewing your membership with the AARC. They also want
to know what benefits from AARC that you value the most, and, if one is
not an AARC member, what would encourage them to join AARC. Currently,
there are 40,291 members nationally. AARC is looking at recruiting 7200
students per year as active members. This recruitment will increase membership
by 7.5%. So here are a couple of options to encourage new membership to
the AARC. Three free CRCE’s for new and renewing members. This member benefit
provides free access to three CRCE courses on demand for all AARC members
joining or renewing. NBRC Discounts for AARC Members. AARC members have
one more great benefit. A $40.00 discount on NBRC exams for AARC members
only has recently been approved by the NBRC. All AARC members are eligible
to receive a one-time $40.00 discount off all NBRC exams except the Entry
Level CRT exam. |
| Human Resource Study (Bill Dubbs) |
| RT survey highlights. Currently there are 132,651 active
RTs, 19 % more than in 2000. The mean age is 44.59. RTs faithful to their
employer, 10.9 %. How much are we getting paid? Mean hourly rate
is $27.03, compared to $20 in 2000. New grads 19.97 % vs 16.15 % in 2000.
How many are working second jobs? 42%. Credentials held: 40% = RRT with
certifications (BCLS = 90.7%) and (ACLS = 61.9%). |
| Government Affairs: |
| HR 964 |
| Legislation that would recognize the services of respiratory
therapists under the Medicare Home Health Services benefit. The bill was
again introduced earlier this year by Congressman Rick Renzi (R-AZ), the
same member of Congress who introduced it last session. Concerted efforts
from the PACT Coordinators, State Society leadership and respiratory therapists
to reach their members of Congress to support the bill has resulted in
an increase of the number of co-sponsors for the bill to 25. Co-sponsorship
raises awareness of the legislation on Capital Hill and provides a solid
list of those in support of the intent of HR 964 and that the provisions
would be added to a larger piece of Medicare legislation. |
| S. 1440 |
| The Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2005.
This bill was introduced in the Senate by senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), the
Co-Chair of the Congressional COPD Caucus. This bill, if enacted, will
finally and clearly require consistent Medicare coverage for outpatient
pulmonary rehabilitation services, something the AARC has been advocating
for many years. This legislation is also on the AARC’s high priority list
to push members to write letters and emails to support. S.1440 will also
be on the agenda for lobby activity during this February PACT DC meeting. |
| For most of 2005, Congress had been edging towards enacting
legislation that would have reduced the current payments to states for
Medicaid services. Congress was also debating overhauling the Social Security
system and considering other health related cost measures. With the aftermath
of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, those cost cutting measures were taken
off the agenda at least for that year. There was even some debate to delay
the impending implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit
in order to divert moneys earmarked for reclaiming the hurricane-affected
states. Congress’ willingness to address specific Medicare issues has therefore
become less of a priority. |
| One good thing that occurred with the tragedy of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita was the critical roles of respiratory therapists that
were brought into focus. The federal Government has specifically recognized
and called for respiratory therapists as priority volunteers in disaster
response teams. The Department of Health and Human Services had very early
this past summer fast tracked a new disaster response team project, which
specifically required respiratory therapists to be part of the health care
team. When Hurricane Katrina struck, this program went live, with respiratory
therapist volunteers deployed to the Gulf Coast. Additionally, other federal
agencies specifically requested health care volunteers including physicians,
nurses, AND respiratory therapists. Hospitals in the affected areas, as
well as in the rescue and relocation areas, put out a public call for respiratory
therapists. There is nothing “good” that came from these disasters, with
the exception of others who suddenly took note of the respiratory care
profession. |
| Finally, just so you know, the AARC accumulated a total
of $64,000 in the disaster relief fund and to date they have dispersed
$43,000 to those therapists in the affected zip codes that were devastated
by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And, all annual fees for those affected
therapists in those zip codes were waived at the last HOD meeting in San
Antonio for one year. We should be proud of ourselves and our profession. |
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2006
ISRC Annual Conference
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September 14-15
Lewiston, Idaho
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News and Notes
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Carrie Massey announces the second annual Idaho Falls “Asthma
Walk” is on May 20, 2006. Carrie also helps with the kid’s Asthma Day Camp
in May or June. If you want to be involved too, contact Carrie at Eastern
Idaho Regional Medical Center 208-529-6111 (Carrie.Massey@HCAhealthcare.com)
or Kera Yost at American Lung Association 208-345-5864 (kyost@alaw.org).
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The southwestern Idaho asthma camp (Camp Super Breathers)
is on August 7 to 11 at the Methodist Camp near Fairfield. Our President-elect,
Michele Andrew, requests your suggestions for campers. The camp is for
kids statewide. There are many scholarships available to defray costs.
Michele is shooting for 50 campers this year. She has a pretty good commitment
for staffers, but if you hold an AE-C credential your help may be needed.
If you can steer some kids to this fantastic experience contact Michele
at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Rehab (208) 367-3199
(MICHANDR@sarmc.org) or
Kera Yost at American Lung Association 208-345-5864 (kyost@alaw.org)
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Our Secretary Mary Kimbrel and husband Jeff announce the
arrival of their first child, Ava Olivia Kimbrel on February 8. Congratulations
to Mom and Dad. There are pictures in this issue’s Photo Gallery.
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New Student Representative to the ISRC Board of Directors
- Rebecca Brollier is a student in the second year of the Respiratory Care
Program at Boise State University. Rebecca is an Idahoan, born in Lewiston
and growing up in Jerome. This Board position is quite unique, probably
the only situation like this in all the AARC. The Student Representative,
who is appointed by the President with affirmation by the Board is a full
voting member of the ISRC Board of Directors.
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As noted in the minutes of the February Board of Directors
meeting, Past President Dana Hagestad was named Chair of the Nominating
Committee for 2006. Dana has set up a page on the ISRC Website (www.idasrc.org)
for input and suggested nominations. Positions available are: President-elect
(3 year total commitment: President-elect, President, Past President),
Vice President (2 year term), Secretary (2 year term), Board Member at-large
(2 year term) and Delegate (2 year term).
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Mountain Air is soliciting supporting sponsors who can help
monetarily with the production and distribution of this newsletter. Your
sponsorship will be gratefully acknowledged in the newsletter and the ISRC
Website. Please contact Tom Gable at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center
Pulmonary Lab (208) 381-2153 (gablet@slrmc.org).
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Logo
Contest
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Tom Gable
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| Last Fall the Board of Directors suggested a contest
for a new ISRC logo. The only respondent to that request was long-time
member Mark Wood, a therapist at St Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Instead of submitting a finalized design, Mark offered several rough drafts
of possible designs, in the hope one would be selected and he would complete
the design process. We present several of those sketches for your input.
Contact Tom Gable at St Luke’s Regional Medical Center Pulmonary Lab (208)
381-2153 (gablet@slrmc.org)
with your opinions. |
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Photo
Gallery
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Delegate Rob DeVinaspre
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Secretary Mary Kimbrel and Husband Jeff
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Board Member Kelly Dwello
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Past President Dana Hagestad
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Treasurer Carrie Massey
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Past Board Member Lande Lambert--"The Disaster
Guy"
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ISRC Board Meeting November in Twin Falls
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Renie Johnson at AARC House of Delegates
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Renie Johnson at Hooters
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Rob DeVinaspre at the Alamo
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President Chad Rye and Friend
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The
Disaster Guy
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The ISRC Board has requested that
Lande Lambert stay on as the Disaster Response Coordinator. The application
form can be found at disaster_response_application_form.html.
If you are interested in opportunities to volunteer your skills, please
contact him at:
LandeL@mvrmc.org
Phone: 208-737-2686
Fax: 208-737-2687
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Board
Meeting Minutes
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February 24, 2006,
Boise
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| Members present: Chad Rye, Con Colby, Carrie Massey,
Lonny Ashworth, Rebecca Brollier, Dana Hagestad, TJ Wing, Greg Pilcher,
Carla Edmison, Ramona Sailor. |
| President Chad Rye opened the meeting. There were introductions
of those present. |
| The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. |
| Treasurer's Report: Treasurer, Carrie Massey,
handed out and reviewed the treasurer’s report. The report was approved. |
| PACT: Con has been e-mailing members about legislative
issues. |
| Committee Reports: |
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Membership: Carl and Greg will be sending out reminders for
delinquent members to renew their AARC membership.
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Delegates: Chad reported on his experience at the HOD in
San Antonio
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Newsletter: Chad reported for Tom Gable that a newsletter
will be forthcoming, hopefully in March.
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Nominations: Dana will be the nominations chair for this
year and Ramona will be the elections chair.
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Bylaws: Chad will ask that Dr. Charan to speak at the next
ISRC conference. A motion was made and passed that the ISRC pay the
annual membership dues to the AARC for our medical director.
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International fellow for Idaho was from Spain and she stated
to the Idaho delegation involved in her stay, that she had a good visit.
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| Old Business: None |
| New Business: |
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Mary Leonard from the Idaho State Board of Medicine has requested
RT nominees for the board. Carrie has two names from Eastern Idaho
interested in the position.
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The asthma camp “Super Breathers” is looking for children
to participate. It will be August 7-11, 2006. It is held at a site
north of Fairfield. Any RT can volunteer to help.
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Contact Keri Yost at the Idaho Lung Association in Boise.
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The logo decision for the ISRC was tabled.
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The state ISRC conference will be held in Lewiston, Sept.
14-15, 2006. Dana and Chad went over some of the things that have
been planned.
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The High Desert Conference will be held in Boise April 21,
2006.
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The next ISRC meeting will be held at the Best Western in
McCall, May 12, 2006 at 7:00 pm.
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| The meeting was adjourned |
| Respectfully submitted,
Ramona Sailor
ISRC Secretary Pro-Tem |
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ISRC
Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
May 12, 2005
Best Western
McCall
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Contact Dana
Hagestad for more information at dhagestad@sjrmc.org
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2006
ISRC Board of Directors
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Chad Rye (Lewiston), President
Michele Andrew (Boise), President elect
Dana Hagestad (Lewiston), Past President
Lynda Erfurth (Boise), Vice President
Carrie Massey (Idaho Falls), Treasurer
Mary Kimbrel (Meridian), Secretary |
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Carla Edminson (Lewiston), Delegate
Rob DeVinaspre (Boise), Delegate
Kelly Dwello (Boise), Director at Large
Greg Pilcher (Lewiston),Director at Large
Dr. Nirmal Charan (Boise),Medical Director
Rebecca Brollier (Boise), Student Representative |
Visit http://www.idasrc.org/contact_us.htm
to contact a Board Member.
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The Mountain Air newsletter editor is Tom
Gable. If you would like to contribute information/articles,
please contact Tom by e-mail:
gablet@slrmc.org,
or fax (208) 381-3498.
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