RCB Board Member Spotlight

The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) values the dedicated professionals who serve on our Board. Through our Board Member Spotlight series, we highlight the experiences, insights, and contributions of those who help shape respiratory care in California. Each month, we will feature a different Board member, sharing their journey, perspectives on the profession, and vision for the future. Join us in getting to know the leaders who are committed to upholding high standards and advancing the field of respiratory care.

• Meet Our Board President: Ricardo Guzman
  

  The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) is proud to introduce Ricardo Guzman, our esteemed Board President. Appointed to the Board by the Senate Pro Tempore on January 17, 2019, Ricardo serves as a licensee member and has led the Board as President since January 1, 2020. With an incredible 42-year career in respiratory therapy, Ricardo brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role, shaping the future of respiratory care in California.

  Currently, Ricardo serves as a Professor and Program Director at Napa Valley College and continues his hands-on work as a bedside Respiratory Care Practitioner at NorthBay Health. His journey with the Board began long before he officially became a member—attending meetings, advocating for higher standards, and witnessing the unwavering commitment of the Board’s staff and members.

  "I became an RT before the Board was established and was grandfathered in. Having a license to practice enhanced our profession’s reputation, and I always respected the work the Board does behind the scenes."

  After years of professional advocacy, Ricardo applied for a Board position, recognizing the vital role RCB plays in regulating the profession to ensure patient safety.

  A Passion for Elevating the Profession

  For Ricardo, serving on the Board is not just about regulation—it’s about raising the standards of respiratory care across the state.

  "My goal is that the work we do—whether at the bedside, as managers, or as educators—is elevated to a higher standard. If we are not growing, we are stagnant."

  As President, Ricardo is committed to protecting and serving consumers by advancing meaningful improvements in the RCB’s programs and the respiratory care profession.

  A Message to the Respiratory Care Community

  Ricardo believes that every RCP plays a heroic role, even if their impact isn’t always visible.

  "The work RCPs do is heroic, even if we are not recognized as we would expect. We often don’t realize the profound impact we have on our patients, their families, and even our colleagues."

  We are grateful for Ricardo’s leadership and his dedication to respiratory care in California. Stay tuned for more spotlights on the incredible individuals shaping our profession!

• Meet Our Board Vice President: Raymond Hernandez
  

  We are excited to introduce another of our dedicated Board Members and Vice President, Raymond Hernandez, MPH, RRT, NPS, FAARC. With over 40 years of experience as a California licensed RCP, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the RCB.

  A Career Dedicated to Respiratory Care
  Ray's journey in respiratory care began in 1986. For the first two decades of his career, he provided bedside care with a focus on neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Transitioning into education, he spent the next 25 years training future RCPs as an educator and director for the Skyline College Respiratory Care Program in the San Francisco Bay Area. His commitment to advancing the profession extended to serving as a Dean for the Science, Math, and Technology Division. Though semi-retired, Ray continues to teach part-time, sharing his expertise with the next generation of respiratory care practitioners.

  Why He Serves
  Ray's dedication to the respiratory care profession inspired him to serve on the RCB. He has long been involved in supporting the growth and elevation of the field, collaborating with practitioners, educators, and the California Society for Respiratory Care. Serving on the Board allows him to contribute from a policy perspective, ensuring that California consumers receive high-quality respiratory care.

  The Rewards of Board Service
  When asked about the most rewarding part of his role, Ray highlighted the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the state. Hearing firsthand about the successes and challenges faced by practitioners has fueled his commitment to refining regulations and shaping policies that support both professionals and patients.

  Personal and Professional Impact
  Serving on the RCB has further strengthened Ray's perspective as both a practitioner and a California resident. Knowing that his contributions have had a positive effect on respiratory care delivery across the state is deeply fulfilling. His experiences on the RCB have also enhanced his appreciation of the legislative process and the collaborative efforts that drive meaningful change.

  Looking Ahead
  As Chair of the RCB’s Professional Qualifications Committee, Ray is particularly focused on the Board’s current strategic plan goal to review and revise educational requirements for RCP licensure. He hopes to ensure that California RCPs maintain their competency and continue to grow in their careers, ultimately benefiting the patients they serve.

  A Message to the Respiratory Care Community
  Ray reminds us all of the RCB’s primary mission: to protect and serve California’s consumers. He encourages the respiratory care community to work together to provide the best possible care, ensuring that practitioners have the necessary resources and support to excel.

  Fun Fact
  A proud California native, Ray has set a personal goal to visit and enjoy all nine of California’s national parks in the coming years. We wish him happy travels on this exciting adventure!

  Join us in celebrating Vice President Hernandez for his invaluable contributions to the Respiratory Care Board and the respiratory care profession.