POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

There are lots of things to keep individual asthma symptoms at bay, but what about the larger battle? How do we not only win those skirmishes, but also the war? Well, it might be a conflict we always battle, but there are bills that need your support to be passed so that we may better bring the fight to asthma's doorstep.

(All information directly quoted is from www.aarc.org)

"Respiratory Therapy Initiative HR 3968This key issue for the profession will revise the Medicare law to permit qualified respiratory therapists to provide certain respiratory therapy services, such as smoking cessation, asthma management, MDI device and medication education, while under the general supervision of a physician (e.g. without the physician having to be physically present or on site). A bill, HR 3968, has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR).

The Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act (HR 552 and S. 329)This legislation will mandate that the Medicare Program finally issue a National Coverage Policy for Pulmonary Rehabilitation and end the erratic and consistent policy coverage for this important service.

The Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2007'. (HR 621/S 1484)These bills will repeal the current Medicare provision that requires Medicare beneficiaries to assume ownership and responsibilities for their oxygen equipment. The AARC is also adamantly opposed to the Administration’s 2008 Budget proposal to decrease to 13 months, down from the current 36 months the time at which ownership will begin.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (HR 1108 and S. 625)These bills will finally give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulated the manufacture and sale of tobacco products.

The Allied Health Reinvestment Act (S. 605)This legislation introduced in the House would provide funding to give incentives for individuals to enroll and complete allied health education and training programs. It would further provide funding to allied health training programs to ensure that these programs are viable and available to those entering into to allied health professions including respiratory therapy."

Alas, these magnificent blueprints will remain as such until action is taken. Write your representatives! Email them! Make time with them! If we are to eradicate this despicable plague, it is going to require government support! And the only people who can make that happen?

It starts with you.