Highlights of the June 24, 2004 Board Meeting

Polysomnography, Pulmonary Function Testing, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The Professional Licensing Committee (PLC) provided an update on the input received thus far in its research to determine whether the practices of polysomnography, pulmonary function testing and hyperbaric practices warrant regulation. The PLC also provided a draft of the survey that will be distributed to interested parties to gather more information and opinions on these

Home Care
The Professional Licensing Committee reported that staff have commenced regular meetings with representatives of the Department of Health Services Home Medical Device Retail Facilitates Section, Medi-Cal Division, and the Children's Medi-Cal Services Branch. These meetings have allowed for review of agency or section responsibilities and for increased awareness of unlicensed practice of respiratory care in the home care setting.

The Board and RCP Professionals - DVD Presentation
The Board viewed a DVD presentation regarding the respiratory care profession, developed by Larry Renner, Member for use as an additional outreach tool. The DVD included a wealth of detailed information ranging from historical facts to employment outlook to the licensing process. Once the DVD is finalized, the Board will distribute it for use by all California respiratory programs and will make it available, via its website, to anyone considering a career in the respiratory care profession.

Law and Professional Ethics Course
Due to an unforseen legislative delay, the estimated implementation date of the Law and Professional Ethics course requirement has been extended. Additional information regarding the requirement will be discussed at upcoming meetings.

Section 3735.5 Exam Equivalency
The Board moved to begin the regulatory process to define exam equivalency for individuals applying for licensure who have passed a national exam and possess a credential issued by the NBRC.

Presentation to Eugene "Mitch" Mitchell
The Board honored Mitch Mitchell by presenting him with a plaque for his years of service. Mr. Mitchell was appointed to the Board in 1998 and has been instrumental in many of the Board's successes. During his tenure, Mr. Mitchell served in numerous capacities, most notably in his leadership role as Vice President. Mr. Mitchell's dedication was also acknowledged by members and staff who expressed their admiration for his integrity judiciousness, and dedicated work ethic which earned him the trust, admiration and respect of members and staff.

In April, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Mr. Mitchell to the Little Hoover Commission (Commission), an independent state oversight agency. It was due to that appointment that Mr. Mitchell tendered his resignation as a member of the Board following more than 6 years of dedicated service. The mission of the Little Hoover Commission is to investigate state government operations and promote efficiency, economy and improved service. Mr. Mitchell was appointed to the Commission in time to fully participate in the California Performance Review, a project intended to help the Governor and Legislature develop a roadmap for structural reform of State government. The Governor made an excellent choice in selecting Mr. Mitchell to serve as a member of the Commission and while the Board hates to see him go, it understandably recognizes his need to direct all his energy and focus toward his new appointment and wishes him the best of luck.

Disciplinary Self Assessment on Web
In addition to the In-House Review/Penalty Guidelines, the Board's website will soon include a variety of application scenarios which can be used by students or applicants to help determine what level of discipline, if any, would be assessed for prior criminal convictions.

Unlicensed Personnel Regulations
The Enforcement Committee reported that a decision not to proceed with finalizing the Unlicensed Personnel regulations had been reached. The decision was based upon direction from the Department and consideration of the PLC's current research efforts of unlicensed practice which may alleviate or drastically modify the need to implement the issuance of citations and fines to unlicensed personnel.

RCP Recognition: Ms. Gloria "Jean" LeBlanc
The Board was honored to recognize Jean LeBlanc for her significant contributions and dedication toward the practice of respiratory care. Barbara Stenson, RCB Member, presented Ms. LeBlanc with a plaque on behalf of the entire Board honoring her recognition.

2004 Legislation
SB 1913 Board Sponsored Legislation [Support]
AB 2185 Asthma Treatment Care [Watch]
AB 2366 Registration Fees: Additional: Pollution Control [Watch]
AB 2436 Clinical Laboratory Testing [Watch]
SB 1912 Pupil Health: Self Administration of Medication [Watch]
AB 2132 Pupil Health: Self Administration of Asthma Medication [Watch]
AB 2367 Pupil Health: Asthma [Watch].

You can find more information regarding these bills by visiting www.leginfo.ca.gov

Rescheduling of October 14th & 15th Strategic Planning Session and Board Meeting
The Board postponed its October 14th Strategic Planning Session until early 2005 and rescheduled its October 15th meeting to December 13, 2004 in San Jose. Additional information regarding the meeting will be posted on the Board's website as it becomes available.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding Board business we'd like to hear from you. Please send an e-mail to: rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.