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Meet an RCP
Shining a light on licensed professionals making a difference.
The RCB features licensed RCPs to highlight the meaningful work being done across California. From hospitals to home care, education to leadership, RCPs make a lasting impact on patient care and the profession.
View All Featured RCPs
We’d love to hear your story! If you’re interested in sharing your journey as an RCP, please complete and submit the Meet an RCP Questionnaire.
In addition to individual RCPs, we hope to feature:
- Preceptors and clinical educators who train the next generation
- Researchers driving innovation in respiratory care
- RCPs in subspecialty roles, such as transport, neonatal/pediatrics, sleep, etc.
- HR professionals or compliance leads supporting licensure and workforce development
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
Respiratory Care Department Feature
Recognizing respiratory care teams across California.
The RCB highlights departments that demonstrate excellence in patient care, safety, collaboration, and innovation. These features provide a look into the work respiratory teams are doing in hospitals, clinics, and other care settings.
This series will:
- Highlight respiratory care departments across California—both large and small
- Showcase the teamwork, innovation, and commitment to patient care within your organization
- Educate the public about the critical role of RCPs in healthcare
- Support content development for Respiratory Care Week this October, when department highlights will be shared
View All Featured Departments
If your department would like to be featured, please complete and submit the Respiratory Care Department Spotlight Questionnaire.
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
Respiratory Care Education Program Feature
Spotlighting the programs shaping future respiratory care professionals.
Education programs are the foundation of the respiratory care profession. The RCB features accredited respiratory care programs to showcase their faculty, students, facilities, and innovative approaches to training the next generation of RCPs.
This series will highlight:
- What makes each program unique
- Recent accomplishments and innovations
- Teaching philosophies and approach to clinical preparation
- How programs support students academically and personally
- Community partnerships and student outcomes
- Advice for future students and insights into the profession’s future
- A fun glimpse into campus life or program culture
View All Featured Programs
If your school would like to be featured, please complete and submit the Respiratory Care Education Program Spotlight Questionnaire.
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
July 2025
- Meet Our Board Member: Abbie Rosenberg!
With 40+ years in respiratory care, Abbie still lends her expertise at Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and leads the RCB's Enforcement Committee, making sure patients get the best, safest care possible.
Now semi-retired, she’s also enjoying her garden, fostering dogs, and spending time with her pup, Major!
Major always full of personality and joy!
Daisy (pictured with Major) was a beloved member of Abbie’s family.
She crossed the rainbow bridge on February 28, 2025, and lives on in treasured memories.
Curious to learn more about Abbie’s inspiring career and what drives her?
👉 Check out the full spotlight here: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/board_member_spotlight.shtml
June 2025
- Meet Our Board Member: Manuel Magpapian!
Manuel Magpapian is a Senior Trial Attorney at Allstate Insurance and a proud member of the Respiratory Care Board of California. He’s a fierce advocate in the courtroom, and just as passionate about protecting the public and supporting the RCP community.
Why he serves:
“The Board does a lot of good work for the community, and I wanted to contribute to that important mission.”
Most rewarding experience:
“Meeting the incredible people who work in respiratory care and seeing their passion for the field has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Fun fact: Manuel is a U.S. history buff and fiction/fantasy fan, he can even name all the U.S. Presidents in order!
Read his full story here: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/board_member_spotlight.shtml
- Aspiring Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs)!
Ready to start your journey in respiratory care? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to become licensed in California:
✅ Complete an accredited respiratory care education program and earn an AA degree.
✅ Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.
✅ Complete the Law and Professional Ethics course.
✅ Provide documentation if eligible for education waivers (e.g., military experience).
Check out the full requirements and start your application today!
🔗 https://rcb.ca.gov/applicants/app_requirements.shtml
- Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth: You can’t get asthma as an adult.
Fact: Asthma can develop at any age, even in adulthood.
Adult-onset asthma is more common than many realize and can be triggered by factors such as allergens, occupational exposures, respiratory infections, or even hormonal changes. Unlike childhood asthma, which can sometimes improve with age, adult-onset asthma often requires long-term management.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, or persistent coughing, don’t dismiss them. Early diagnosis and proper care can significantly improve quality of life.
Let’s bust this myth and ensure everyone understands that asthma isn’t just a childhood condition—it’s a lifelong consideration.
- June 6, 2025 Board Meeting!
The RCB had a fantastic Board Meeting today! Huge shoutout to our incredible Board Members for their insight, dedication, and leadership.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Preeti Mehta, Abbie Rosenberg, President Ricardo Guzman, Vice President Ray Hernandez, and Michael Terry.
Board Members, Manuel Magpapian and Cheryl Williams also joined us virtually. Thank you for your commitment and participation!
We’re grateful to everyone who took part in today’s meeting. Your engagement strengthens our work and impact across California.
May 2025
- Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth: Smoking is the only cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Fact: While smoking is the leading cause of COPD, it's not the only one. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust from the environment or workplace can also damage your lungs and lead to COPD.
Your lungs are delicate, and repeated exposure to irritants over time—even if you're not a smoker—can seriously impact your respiratory health. That means protecting yourself from secondhand smoke, wearing proper protective equipment at work, and avoiding polluted areas when possible are all important steps for prevention.
Whether you're a smoker or not, it's important to stay informed and take action to protect your lungs. Let’s bust the myths and breathe easier together!
- RCP Spotlight: Torrie Staten, MSRC, RRT, AE-C
Meet Torrie Staten — a true leader in respiratory care whose compassion and innovation are transforming lives in California’s Imperial County. 💙
The Asthma Community Linkages Project (ACLP), developed and implemented by a team led in part by Torrie Staten, is tackling asthma head-on through home visits, personalized care plans, and integrated community support services.
“This program isn’t just about treatment—it’s about empowerment.” – Torrie Staten
From pandemic leadership to building scalable healthcare models, Torrie exemplifies what it means to be a respiratory care leader. 🙌
🔗 Read her full feature here: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/rcp_features.shtml
👏 Thank you, Torrie, for your dedication to building healthier communities—one breath at a time.
- May is Asthma Awareness Month!
May is #AsthmaAwarenessMonth! #Asthma affects the quality of life for over 24 million Americans and their families. Join us this month to help raise awareness by sharing and learning ways to help manage asthma and asthma triggers.
https://www.epa.gov/asthma
- Spring Into Success – Welcome New RCPs!
April showers bring... newly licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners!
The Respiratory Care Board is thrilled to welcome the incredible group of RCPs who earned their licenses in April 2025. Your hard work is blooming into a rewarding career that makes a real difference in patients’ lives.
View the full list of April licensees here: https://rcb.ca.gov/licensees/new_rcps.shtml
- Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month!
May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month! Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, making it harder to breathe and absorb nutrients. Together, we can raise awareness, support research, and empower individuals living with CF.
Did you know? Advances in treatment have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life for those with CF. Let’s keep pushing for progress!
https://www.cff.org
April 2025
- Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth: Asthma can’t be managed.
Fact: With the right treatment plan, asthma can be controlled effectively.
Asthma management is a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and understanding personal triggers. Long-term control medications reduce inflammation, while rescue inhalers provide relief during sudden flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding triggers—like allergens, smoke, or strong odors—plays a key role in keeping symptoms at bay.
Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized action plan ensures better control and fewer disruptions to daily life. Whether it’s through regular check-ups, monitoring symptoms, or educating yourself about asthma, proactive care makes a world of difference.
Let’s spread the word: Asthma can be managed, and no one should feel limited by their condition!
- Earth Day 2025!
Celebrate Earth Day by taking care of our planet and our lungs! Protecting the environment helps protect our respiratory health.
- National Public Health Week!
National Public Health Week - April 7-13, 2025! This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW)! Join the movement to celebrate the contributions of public health and address key health challenges. Together, we can create healthier communities through clean air, improved safety standards, and accessible healthcare.
Explore resources, events, and ways to get involved. Let’s make public health a priority because it starts with us!.
Learn more at: www.apha.org
March 2025
- Meet Our Board Vice President: Raymond Hernandez!
Meet Raymond Hernandez, MPH, RRT, NPS, FAARC — a respiratory care professional with over 40 years of experience! From providing neonatal and pediatric care to leading as an educator and serving as a Dean, Ray has dedicated his career to advancing respiratory care.
Now, as a valued member of the Respiratory Care Board and Chair of the Professional Qualifications Committee, he’s working to support RCPs and ensure patients receive the highest quality care.
Fun fact: Ray’s goal is to visit all nine national parks in California!
Learn more about his inspiring journey in our latest blog post: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/board_member_spotlight.shtml
- Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth or Fact: Respiratory Health Edition!
Myth: All breathing issues can be treated with the same medications.
Fact: Respiratory care is not one-size-fits-all! Treatments are carefully tailored to individual conditions and needs. Whether it’s asthma, COPD, or another lung condition, each requires specific medications, therapies, and interventions.
Respiratory care professionals evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, and create personalized care plans to improve quality of life. Let’s bust the myth and spread awareness!
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week - March 9-15, 2025!
#PRWeek2025 calls attention to the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with lung disease. Show your thanks by participating in this year's celebration, taking place March 9-15!
Visit www.aacvpr.org/Cardiac-Pulmonary-Rehabilitation-Weeks for more information.
Studies have shown pulmonary rehabilitation significantly reduces symptoms of COPD, one of the most chronic lung diseases in the world. It is for that reason, and countless others, that we are celebrating #PRWeek2025 March 9-15!
February 2025
- Lung Conditions Affect All Ages!
Lung conditions aren’t just for adults— they can impact people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and even early-onset COPD remind us that respiratory health doesn’t discriminate by age.
Proactive Lung Health:
- Taking care of your lungs starts early!
- Screenings can help detect issues early.
- Recognizing symptoms early leads to better outcomes.
Maintaining a smoke-free environment is essential for lung health at every stage of life.
Let’s work together to raise awareness and promote healthier lungs for everyone, no matter their age.
- Meet Our Board President: Ricardo Guzman!
With 42 years in respiratory care, Ricardo has worked as a clinician, educator, and advocate. Now, as President of the Respiratory Care Board, he is committed to protecting and serving consumers by advancing meaningful improvements in the RCB’s programs and the respiratory care profession.
His message to RCPs?
“The work you do is heroic. Even if you’re not always recognized, your impact on patients, families, and colleagues is profound.”
Read his full story here: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/board_member_spotlight.shtml
- Contact Us!
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
The Respiratory Care Board of California is here to help! You can reach us through:
- Address: 3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95834
- Email: rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov
- Phone: (916) 999-2190
- Fax: (916) 263-7311
Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM (excluding holidays).
For more details, visit: https://rcb.ca.gov/about_us/contact_us.shtml
- Verify a License!
Need to Verify a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License? Ensuring that an RCP is properly licensed is essential for patient safety and quality care. Here’s how you can easily verify a license:
- Go to the DCA License Search: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
- Select “Respiratory Care” as the profession.
- Enter the practitioner’s name or license number.
- Click search and review the results for current status and licensing details.
It’s quick, easy, and free! Ensuring that your RCP is licensed helps ensure the highest standards of care.
