Table of Contents:
1. President’s Message
2. Delegates Report
3. MSRC Website update
4. Looking for Help
5. American Lung Associations
6. Pandemic Flu Preparation
7. Pandemic Flu/Avian Flu Preparedness Summit
8. I AM SOMEBODY
9. Call for nominations for Board of Directors of MSRC
10. KVCC News
President’s Message:
Well, we made it through spring and summer is here. Time to enjoy the beach, camping and all the
other things that Maine has to offer. The MSRC “Maine Event” was a success, especially
the talk on Nanotechnology and the Web Broadcast on APRV. Unfortunately, the golf tournament was
cancelled due to rain, but the two following days were beautiful.
I would like to thank all the MSRC BOD’s, volunteers, vendors, sponsors for their help and support
this year and would like to invite all of you to jump in and help with next years event.
On the political scene, we continue to work with Congress on the passing of HR964 (RT Medicare Bill)
gaining more sponsorship every day. Karen Lane is working with the State Medical Board to prepare
Maine if an outbreak of the Pandemic Flu hits us. Our delegates attended the House of Delegates
meeting and will be reporting on any other political doings.
As always, I encourage you to support the MSRC and the AARC by becoming a member or renewing your
membership. Our profession needs support from all Respiratory Care Professionals.
Enjoy the summer and be safe.
Steve Enking
Delegate’s Report
Shirley Belanger and I have just returned from the AARC House of Delegate’s meeting held in
conjunction with the Summer Forum in Phoenix, Arizona. The temperature was a balmy 117°.
The HOD serves as the liaison between the State Affiliate members and the AARC Board of Directors.
Two resolutions were discussed and acted upon:
Resolution 44-06-01
“Resolved that the AARC, with the assistance of the Section Chairs, develop an on-line
speaker’s bureau for use by state affiliates to assist in the preparation of local educational
programs.”
This resolution requests that the AARC develop a speaker’s bureau with the guidance of the AARC
specialty section chairs. The HOD unanimously passed this resolution. The AARC Board will
examine the logistics of identifying qualified speakers.
Resolution 22-06-02
“Resolved that the American Association for Respiratory Care develop in conjunction with the
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) a standardized curriculum for training paramedics in the
safe and appropriate use of ventilators for certain patients outside of the hospital
environment.” (Strikethrough represents original wording of resolution, underscore
represents final wording).
This resolution was more controversial. Some delegates felt that by supporting this resolution,
we would be opening the door for paramedics to “get a foot in the door” and provide
respiratory care services in the ED, ICU and elsewhere. Others felt that since paramedics are
already running ventilators in helicopters and ground ambulances, it is in the best interest of patient
safety for the RT profession to ensure that the paramedics are appropriately trained. After much discussion, the
resolution was passed and forwarded to the AARC Board of Directors.
As your representatives in the HOD, and in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the MSRC Board of Directors,
Shirley and I voted in favor of both of these resolutions.
While in Phoenix, we were updated on AARC activities by Executive Director Sam Giordano, and Government Affairs director
Cheryl West. The following is a brief summary of current activities:
The AARC is working closely with Admiral Carmona, Surgeon General United States, in an effort to gain officer’s
commission for RRT’s with Baccalaureate Degrees in the US Public Health Service. This would be a first step in
gaining officer status for RRT’s in the military.
HR 5513: In February, 2006, the federal budget was passed that included a provision that a Medicare beneficiary
would own, not rent, their oxygen equipment after 36 months of rental. This would place a significant hardship on most
oxygen patients, who would be responsible for the care and upkeep of the equipment. The AARC has vigorously opposed this
36 month ownership provision. House Resolution 5513, which was introduced by Ohio Congressmen Schwartz and Price
(both physicians), would rescind the Medicare 36 month oxygen equipment transfer of ownership provision. The AARC is
working with these congressmen, and urge respiratory therapists to write your member of congress and urge them to co-sponsor
this legislation. You can easily write to Congressman Allen and Michaud through Capitol Connection on the AARC’s
Website.
HR 964: This bill would recognize services of respiratory therapists under the Medicare Home Health Services
benefit. Currently, RT services provided in the home are not reimbursed (DME companies that employ RT’s are
reimbursed for the equipment only). The AARC has been actively lobbying Congress in favor of this bill, and is
currently seeking a Senate sponsor for a companion bill.
S. 1440 & HR 4828: The Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act of 2005. These identical bills, if
enacted, will require consistent Medicare coverage for outpatient pulmonary rehab services.
The AARC remains deeply committed to advancing the profession of Respiratory Therapy, and advocating for the best
interest of the respiratory patient. You can do your part by becoming involved and contacting members of Congress
encouraging them to support these bills.
Keith Siegel, RRT, CPFT, AE-C
Have you checked out the MSRC website lately? 2006 has brought some changes and updates to our site. Most recently we added pictures from the MSRC conference, The Maine Event. There are pictures of this year's sputum bowl winners and some random shots from the vendor area. A special thank-you to those who allowed their pictures to be taken for our site!
Our help wanted link has also changed and now includes a list of hospitals throughout Maine. Each listing will link viewers to the hospitals' official webpage for easy job searching. Our famous Lobestergram is also posted online. In the future be sure to look for a mailing list option for members who prefer to receive it via email.
Our meeting minutes are available for everyone to view just by clicking the "Board Activities" link. Here you will find detailed information regarding our meetings and future MSRC plans. A newly added “Appendix” link contains any forms and brochures posted on our site for easy access.
We are currently working on the CEU page. Our goal is to provide a current list of CEU opportunities throughout Maine. I urge anyone with information regarding free CEU's that are available online and / or local conferences to please forward the information to .
The future of the MSRC website is promising with a whole new look and user friendly options for MSRC members. Please check it out periodically to find out what’s new with the MSRC.
Amanda S. Albee, RRT
Secretary
Looking for Help:
I am working with a group of physicians and nurses in Maine who support a hospital in Haiti, through a group known as Konbit Sante. I am trying to help them work through supplying oxygen to at least their Pediatric ward. Obtaining H cylinders is not always doable. As a back up plan, it would be great to secure an O2 concentrator or two for them. If there is anyone out there who knows of way to provide/ donate a concentrator, it would be greatly appreciated.
Christopher Hirsch
Director Pulmonary/Critical Care Services
Maine Medical Center
hirscc@mmc.org
207-662-4518
207-662-4691 fax
American Lung Association of Maine
PLEASE SAVE FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2006 for an exciting day of learning for Asthma Educators sponsored by the ALA-ME at the Maine Principals Association in Augusta.
The topics for the day were identified by attendees at the 2005 workshop. Asthma and the workplace will start the day off. There will be break out sessions to address spirometry and medication delivery devices using a hands on approach. The afternoon will focus on patient interactions and will be interactive. There will also be time for networking. The final schedule and the registration form will be emailed to you by the end of August.
For now we would like to save the date!!! OCTOBER 20th from 8:30am-3:00pm.
We plan on securing CEUs for RTs and RNs.
If you think you would like to attend, please email me at Lscott@mainelung.org or call me at 1-888-241-6566 ext 117
Lee Scott
Pandemic Flu Preparation
Bird Flu had received a fair amount of press over the past year and with good reason. Estimates of world wide infection and the subsequent impact of death and disease to life as we know it today are overwhelming. Because of this, preparations for a pandemic flu are happening (or should be) at all levels of government and business. Individuals in each community should be planning and preparing a disaster response kit to have on hand. A suggested list of items for these kits that would support a home during any disaster (weather, health, or other crisis) can be found on the internet at the Maine Emergency Management Agency;
http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/
Currently each county is responsible for completing a comprehensive plan for responding to a pandemic flu. I have had the opportunity to work with my hospitals planning and a subcommittee at the Kennebec County level. These plans are being collated for first draft to submit to the State of Maine Center for Disease Control which will in turn submit to the Federal CDC. It is not too late for you to get involved; there will be opportunity to participate in revisions of these first drafts. Why is important for you as a respiratory care practitioner to get involved? Should we experience a pandemic flu (compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918); our expertise with infection control of airborne disease and ventilator management will be needed more than ever.
Our State is sponsoring a day of education at the Augusta Civic Center on September 20th. More information and registration forms can be found on at:
www.neias.org/maineflu.html
The estimates of overwhelming respiratory failure and sepsis requiring ventilatory support are prompting much discussion about planning how to triage limited resources of ventilators and other medical resources. A helpful article that addresses this can be found on our website, . Ventilator capacity will be exceeded, use of portable ventilators need discussion at the level of both hospital planning, county, state and federal government. Emergency management agencies have purchased and distributed many disposable ventilators for use in a disaster. However, these devices are greatly limited in their application for effective support of the ARDS presentation that victims of a pandemic flu are expected to suffer. The AARC has published a helpful position paper regarding the ventilatory support devices. It is available on the AARC website.
Key websites for you to browse and get a better understanding about Pandemic Flu include:
I will continue to share what information I learn in our next issue of the Lobestergram and Amanda will post information on our website.
Karen Lane
Pandemic
Influenza/Avian Influenze
Preparedness Summit
Sponsored by:
Maine DC/Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Emergency Management Agency, Maine EMS/Maine Department of Public Safety, Maine Department of Agriculture, and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 20, 2006
8:00am -4pm
at the Augusta Civic Center
Conference Goals:
* Showcase state and sub-state practical planning effors concerning Avian Influenza and Pandemic Inluenza
* Energize people to get involved with the Avian influenza and Pandemic influenza preparedness efforts in their communities and counties.
* Review lessons learned from past disasters, what’s worked and barriers discovered in the process of disaster response.
* Explore next steps in Avian Influenza and Pandemic influenza preparedness for Maine.
If you’re interested, please call 207-621-2549 or
1-800-886-3933
or
email at
AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc.
I AM SOMEBODY
A Formal Invitation
“I am somebody!” Go ahead and say it aloud- or at least say it to yourself like you really mean it. Now answer truthfully this question: have you ever said or thought “I wish somebody would make a difference for respiratory care” you can substitute respect for RT’s, advocate for our profession, pay us more, get a different speaker for the conference or any number of other thoughts? Haven’t we all? Toni Rodriguez, our incoming president for the AARC shared that sentiment at a meeting I attended in March. She was very powerful in her address to the group, which made me think about how often we forget what we teach our children- “Change begins with me”.
This is my first year being actively involved with the MSRC; I’ve been a member of the AARC since 1993 (took me 6 years to do that!) but hadn’t volunteered for our professional association until somebody asked me if I would accept nomination for president-elect last summer. I did spend sometime on the licensing board prior to this- that limited my ability to do so which would be another discussion.
We need to get more of our peers to be involved with our professional association. Nominations for 2007 board of directors are needed within the next month. If you or SOMEBODY you know is a member of the AARC and willing to attend a few meetings and contribute wisdom, enthusiasm, energy, and be rejuvenated in the calling we all have to supporting clinical excellence- let us know.
Call any member of the Board of Directors or come to an upcoming meeting (both are listed on the website). You are a valuable commodity and I want you to consider sharing with us your passion, commitment and professionalism. If you aren’t ready for a position on the Board, consider volunteering for a committee. We have lots of room for the diversity our state holds to work on expanding Membership, Education, and Political Advocacy in addition to Board of Director positions.
You’ve been invited to join your professional organization- get involved for it is with many great contributors that we can be far more effective and recognized for our talents. Any job is far lighter and more fun to complete when many colleagues share the load. Join us; I look forward to sharing time with you soon.
Karen Lane RRT
Call for Nominations
The will be several Board of Director positions available for the upcoming election. If you are interested or if you know of anyone interested in the following positions, please contact a current Board of Director. Phone numbers/fax numbers are listed for current board members on the MeSRC.org website.
Positions available:
President Elect
(3 year term)
Vice President
(1 year term)
Treasurer
(1 year term)
Secretary
(1 year term)
Board Member at Large
(1 year term).
KVCC News
Congratulations to the class of 2006. All graduates have secured employment and successfully passed the entry-level CRT exam. Senior students are gearing up for a busy second year putting theory into practice. The first year class is full to capacity with an extensive waitlist. If you know of anyone interested in the Respiratory Therapy program at KVCC please encourage them to apply early next fall. Many of the health programs are very popular and fill early in the year.
Jacquie, Sam and I would like to recognize the following graduates who have successfully become Registered Respiratory Therapists in the last six months. Congratulations to Stacy Bridgham, class of 1998; Cheryl Corey, class of 2002; Amy Martin, Sara Fales, Amanda Albee, and Carol Jean (C.J.) Pelletier, class of 2005.
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