Respiratory Therapists have shown during these hard times we are needed across the United States during the biggest pandemic of our time. We are currently limited to work in only the states we are licensed to and in states with an Executive Order to allow during the pandemic. Respiratory Therapists have to pay each state anywhere from $50 to $300 dollars depending on the state fees and wait for approval to work in a new state.

     During Covid-19 it was and still is difficult to meet all the states expectations when applying for a new state licensing. We need a compact license just like Nursing has. We are already Credentialed Practitioners on a National level, why do we not have a Respiratory Licensure Compact (RLC) like our sisters and brothers in arms do with the Nurse Licensure Compact? 

     There are currently 174078 Respiratory Therapists licensed according to the AARC as of 10/6/2020, We can't be everywhere but a lot of us are willing to run to answer the alarms. Give us the freedom to help and not be held back. Currently under the NLC Nurses can work in 32 states without paying each state. Let us freely move across state lines as we already pay state taxes when we work in those other states. 

     What we want is the same rights of the NLC "A multistate license allows the nurse to practice in the home state and all compact states with one license issued by the home state. This eliminates the burdensome, costly, and time consuming process of obtaining single state licenses in each state of practice."

     For our Respiratory state licenses we have to take state level exams which are graded by the The National Board for Respiratory Care. Every 2 years we have to renew our state license which involves paying a fee and having continuing education units (CEU) or continuing education credit (CEC) is a measure used in continuing education programs to assist the professional to maintain their license in their profession. Every 5 years we have to pay to renew our national license as well. As long as we do not have any board actions, pay these state/national fees, a turn in proof of CEU's we are allowed to continue to be licensed. 

     While I worked in NYC running life support for Covid-19 victims I saw how overwhelming it can be. The day before I arrived there were only 3 RT's in the whole hospital with over 100 ventilators running. Imagine trying to run 30 plus vents by yourself. Knowing how helpless it feels knowing all these people need you and you have no one to call for help yourself. Altho we are commonly forgotten, We are a part of the team, We are the airway, we are the breath, the heart beat, and we are your support. Let us help you breathe.