Respiratory Therapists are skilled healthcare professionals who not only respond to emergencies in patients of all ages, but also manage patients who are on critical life support (mechanical ventilation), patients in need of positive pressure ventilation, manage emergency airways, establish appropriate oxygen and aerosol therapy etc. Respiratory Therapists receive 2-4 years of education and training and are the experts in caring for patients with a variety of cardiopulmonary disease. It is a major patient safety issue to deregulate managing highly- advanced life support machines, positive pressure equipment, advanced airway management, and advanced oxygen and aerosol therapy devices. Respiratory Therapists are the professionals who understand the function, indications, contraindications, and hazards associated with the use of such devices and therapies better than anyone else. We believe it is in the best interest and safety of our patients that Respiratory Care not be deregulated. We ask that you strongly reconsider deregulating this profession.