This week, I had the opportunity to testify on Senate Bill 500 (Assembly Bill 558) in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with my colleague and Senate co-author Sen. Pat Testin (Stevens Point); appropriate timing given Oct. 20-26 is respiratory care week. The bill makes significant updates to Wisconsin statutes concerning licensing for Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs).
Respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD and lung cancer have increased significantly in recent years all while there is a shortage of RCPs in Wisconsin. Updating the licensing requirements will ease the licensing process moving more RCPs into the profession to provide this vital care that many Wisconsin residents rely on. Furthermore, statutes concerning the profession haven’t been updated in several years and in some instances have not been reviewed since 1991.
The bill simply aims to ensure state statutes mirror changes in the respiratory healthcare setting by making three specific changes:
Eliminate the temporary RCP certificate created in 1991 when temporary licenses were needed to allow RCPs to continue practicing while awaiting the results of the certification exam. The results are immediately tabulated now.
Update the RCP examination name to the “Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination by the National Board for Respiratory Care,” the current test used to become an RCP.
Lastly, update accreditation qualifications for Wisconsin-based institutions that provide respiratory care curriculum.
This legislation is simple but important. It will ensure that RCPs can continue to provide the respiratory care that is vital to many Wisconsin residents.
I look forward to this legislation passing the Legislature later this session.
Drug Take-Back Day
Tomorrow, Oct. 26, is Drug Take-Back Day across the nation. Drug Take-Back Day gives the public an opportunity to properly dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed and ensures those drugs do not wind up in the hands of the wrong person.
Misuse of prescription drugs can lead to overdose and in some instances addiction. Check the link below to find a prescription drug disposal location near you.
Halloween is just around the corner! Below are the city-wide trick-or-treat times for the cities of Oak Creek, South Milwaukee and Franklin. Be safe and have fun!
Oak Creek: Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 – 6 pm
South Milwaukee: Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Franklin: Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
November In-District Office Hours
In November, I'll be holding in-district office hours. More details are included below!
Rep. Rodriguez State Capitol, Room 204 N PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0021 or (608) 266-0610 Rep.Rodriguez@legis.wi.gov| Read Online |
