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AARC - Organizational Change Removes Barrier to RT Participation
For the past year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been soliciting respiratory therapists to volunteer for a program aimed at providing health professionals to serve as temporary federal employees in the event of a national disaster.
The stumbling block derived from the fact that the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), which includes this type of legal guarantee, has been housed in the Department of Homeland Security rather than in HHS. Now the problem is solved. The NDMS was transferred back to HHS from Homeland Security in January, which means RTs who volunteer for the program will now become members of the NDMS.
Read more on the AARC website
U.S. Department of Labor - Proposed Guidance
Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza.
This proposed guidance reflects the current thinking on the stockpiling of respirators and facemasks for the purpose of pandemic influenza preparedness. The information contained in the document is distributed solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination public comment. It has not been formally disseminated by DOL. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.
Read the document on the U.S. DOL OSHA website and provide comments.
AARC - Disaster Help Wanted
Respiratory Therapists Still Sought for HHS Disaster Teams "With certain types of disasters, we anticipate the need for professionals who can administer complex respiratory therapy treatments to critically ill patients," says the letter from RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen, MD. "AARC provides a crucial communications link between HHS and the respiratory care community." The Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness is asking for respiratory therapists to fill an important role in our nation's disaster response.
AARC - Ventilator Acquisition
Guidelines for Acquisition of Ventilators to Meet Demand for Pandemic Flu and Mass Casualty Incidents. The AARC’s released guidance document will assist in state and local planning. Those involved in hospital committees or working with local agencies should reference that source posted on the AARC website.
New Jersey
Become involved in the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps. During a public health emergency, volunteers will be called upon to perform a variety of functions needed to protect the health of the citizens of New Jersey. Such duties might include direct patient care, administrative, secretarial, translation or reception duties. Volunteers need to be aware that they will need to participate in training and education in order to be adequately prepared should an event occur. Volunteers should be asked to perform duties in accord with their interests, training and experience. Guidelines for this recommended training will be outlined by the State Department of Health and Senior Services.
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