Program & Education Report

Colleagues and Friends,
>
> Have you ever thought about who plans the annual MSRC
> meeting? Respiratory professionals..just like YOU!
>
> The P&E Committee (program and education) always
> welcomes
> new faces and fresh ideas. We meet the first Thursday
> of most
> months at Mass. Bay Community in College in Wellesley,
> from
> 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m. in room 424 (check out your MSRC
> website
> for more details. MSRCOL.org). As a committee, we work
> diligently on presenting a quality program overseeing
> all aspects
> of the annual meeting. From the facility, to the
> speakers, security,
> vendors, awards, banners, CEU's, food, lighting,
> accomodations ,
> entertainment, etc. etc.. Our monthly meetings are
> informative,
> fun, and challenging. If your comfortable in a
> behind-the-scene
> role, GREAT! If you'd like to be more involved and
> out-front,
> TERRIFIC! It's really amazing how each individual adds
> their
> own special expertise. In the end, it all flows
> together quite nicely,
> and as a member of this wonderful dedicated committee,
> you will
> feel proud and satisfied with the work you've
> accomplished!
>
> Think about it..two hours a month and you can be part
> of an
> interesting group of Respiratory professionals,
> dedicated to
> making the annual MSRC meeting the BEST that it can
> be! Come
> and join us for a unique and rewarding experience.
>
> Our 24th Annual Meeting held on September 26th&27th
> 2001, was
> another success! The survey results were positive! All
> new
> suggestions are being considered, and seriously looked
> at by the
> P&E Committee. We want to continue presenting an
> informative
> and interesting program.
>
>
>
>
>
> Page 2
>
>
>
> The Golf Tournament (even though it RAINED), was
> enjoyed by
> all. The food was delicious and the raffles a complete
> success!! A
> special Thank you to Ben McGregor and Joanne Barjokas.
> Prior to
>
> this years' Golf date, we'll have to do a special
> "No-Rain Dance."
>
> The hotel staff was extra attentive this year. Many of
> the overnight
>
> guests commented on the improvements and courtesy of
> the staff.
>
> The "new" look to our brochure also got a lot of
> positive
> comments. Many felt it was easier to read and follow.
> The P&E
> Committee worked very hard on presenting a "new look"
> without
> forgoing the quality we're known for.
>
> The P&E Committee also found a more efficient
> Audio/Visual
> Company. They gave us terrific service, less delays
> and problems,
> and better equipment to fit our needs.
>
> Our Annual Meetings will be held at The Sturbridge
> Host Hotel
> through 2004. The dates are:
>
> September 11th&12th 2002
>
> October 15th&16th 2003
>
> October 6th&7th 2004
>
> See you in September...
>
>
>
>
>
> Very truly yours,
>
> Valeri-Ann Bolduc, Past Vice President, Program and
> Education
>
> Chair 2001

BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE - RESPIRATORY CARE
Questions and Answers about …..

Continuing Educational Credits:

“During what time period do I have to earn the Continuing Education Credits?”

Provision 261 CMR 5.03 (definitions) reads: “Continuing education period. The period from January 1 of each even numbered year to January 1 or the next even numbered year.”

“Can I use my credits in college courses towards my CEU requirements?”

Provision 261 CMR 5.04 (3) reads: “Subject matter.
(a) Appropriate subject matter for continuing education shall include the following:
? Respiratory care science and practice
? Respiratory care education
? Research in Respiratory care and health care
? Management, administration and supervision in health care delivery
? Social, economic, political, legal aspects of health care
? Teaching health care and consumer health education
? Professional requirements for a formal Respiratory Care program or a related field beyond those that were completed for the issuance of the original licences
? That which a respiratory therapist documents as improving his job competency which is not specified on the above list and is determined to be appropriate by the Board.
(b) The following activities shall not qualify as appropriate continuing education under 261 CMR 5.00:
? Employee orientation subject matter
? Standard operating procedures in-service
? Orientation/inservice for equipment or procedures which become part of the regular duties of the licensee
? Certification and/or re-certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR).

“How many correspondence courses like those available in the journal ‘Respiratory Care’ can I use towards my 15 required CEU’s?”

Provision 261 CMR 5.02 requires that, “A total of 15 contact hours of continuing education, not more than six of which shall be in correspondence courses and not more than four of which shall be in a recredentialing examination, within the continuing education period, are required for license renewal.”

Rules and Regulations regarding work by those with LIMITED PERMITS:
Can a student with a limited permit work in home care?
(The answer, reprinted here in part, as delineated in an “Interpretations of Statutes and Regulations” issued by the Board of Respiratory Care in October 1994:

Provision 261 CMR 2.08(4) requires that “The respiratory care services provided by the holder of a Limited Permit must be performed under the supervision of a Respiratory Therapist, as required by G.L. c. 112, s. 23V(c). “Supervision” is defined in 261 CMR 2.02 AS “The director of the respiratory care department or his designee, is a respiratory therapist, is on the premises and available to give aid, direction, and instruction…”
Interpretations: A holder of a Limited Permit can only render respiratory care services with a licensed respiratory therapist on the premises (i.e. in the home at the time of the therapy).

Rules and Regulations regarding EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE responsibilities:
As an Employer of Respiratory Care Practioners, what do I need to have on hand for an Inspector?

Provision 261 CMR 3.02 requires that “The director of the prspiratory care department or his designee, provided such director or designee is a respiratory therapist, shall:
(1) Retain a copy of the license, or Limited Permit and current Verification of Education form, for each of his employees rendering respiratory care services in this commonwealth. Said copies shall be maintained in a file in the respiratory therapy department and be readily available for inspection by the Board or its investigator(s); and
(2) Maintain a current roster containing the full name, licenses number, and license expration date of each employee who renders respiratory care services. The roster shall be on employer letterhead, signed by the director or designee, and divided into:
a. the director or designee;
b. respiratory therapists; and
c. holders of Limited Permits

The roster shall also include a section with the names of all individuals performing respiratory care duties not requiring a license as specified in 261 CMR 2.05 and a description of the respiratory care duties they perform. A copy of the roster shall be provided to the Board upon request and to the Board’s investigator(s) during any visit to or inspection of a respiratory therapy department.

Questions about the Board of Professional Licensure - Respiratory Care

“I know of some bad practices by licensed clinicians out there; what can I do about it?”

The Board exists in order to provide for the safety and protection of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Board cannot take action to investigate a concern without a complaint being sent to the Board.

Provision 261 CMR 4.04(1) states: “ Initiation. Any person, organization, or member of the Board may make a complint to the Board which charges a licensee with misconduct. A complaint may be filed in any form. The Board, in its discretion, may investigate anonymous complaints.”

“What kinds of behavior are grounds for Complaint?”

Provision 261 CMR 4.05 (a) states: “Specific Grounds for complaints Against Licensees. A complaint against a licensee may be based on any of the following: (note that the bullets are the editor’s alteration)
Fraudulent or deceptive procurement,…..of a license or Limited Permit or its renewal.
Commitment of an offense against any provision of the laws of the Commonwealth relating to the practice of Respiratory Care
Conduct which places into question the licensee’s competence to practice respiratory care
Practicing respiratory care while the ability to practice is impaired by alcohol, drugs, physical disability or mental instability
Knowingly permitting, aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to perform activities requiring a license
Conviction of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude
Continuing to practice while his license or Limited Permit is lapsed, suspended, or revoked
Having been disciplined in another jurisdiction…..for reasons substantially the same as those set forth in …….261 CMR 4.04 (5).
Failing to report any disciplinary action within 30 days of the date of that action
Cheating on or attempting to compromise the integrity of any licensing examination
Having acted in a manner which is professionally unethical according to ethical standards of the profession of respiratory care.

In addition, PLEASE NOTE: Provision 261 CMR 4.05 (7) states: “Ethical Standards and Professional Conduct. The Board adopts as its official guide the American Association for Respiratory Care Code of Ethics as amended from time to time.

“I’ve attended a BUNCH of inservices over this last educational time period, but I can’t find every certificate. Since I’m a member of the AARC, they send me a record of all the activities that I’ve attended all year, will that be good enough?”

Yes. Provision 261 CMR 5.06 states: “……., a CRCE transcript issued by the AARC shall satisfy the requirements of an authenticated record of attendance.”