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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Yudichak |
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Yudichak bill to license respiratory therapists passes House
HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne, said legislation he sponsored that would license respiratory therapists recently passed the House.
Yudichak’s bill (H.B. 1804) would require respiratory therapists to be licensed by the state. Currently, they only receive certification from a national board. Many people, including some therapists, believe they are state-certified because they receive a licensure number on the official national board document.
"This would give therapists the right to state they are certified, act as a quality control measure for the public and clear up any confusion about licensing,” Yudichak said.
The legislation would also require 30 hours of continuing education every two years as a condition of license renewal.
According to the Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care, the need for respiratory therapists will increase significantly over the next decade as many Baby Boomers enter retirement. Older people tend to have the highest number of respiratory conditions like pneumonia or respiratory complications from other diseases.
“Pennsylvania has the second-oldest population in the country, and respiratory therapists will be in demand more than ever as Commonwealth residents continue to age,” Yudichak said. “It’s important to make sure they have the proper licensing to protect their profession and the health and welfare of the public.”
H.B. 1804 has been incorporated as part of the governor’s Prescription for PA proposal to improve the delivery of health care in the Commonwealth. The bill is currently under consideration in the state Senate.
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