July 21, 2008                                                                         

 Gov. Rendell Signs Adolph Legislation Requiring Licenses for Respiratory Therapists

SPRINGFIELD, PA – Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed into law legislation introduced by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-165) to improve the quality of care of Pennsylvania patients who receive respiratory therapy.  Respiratory therapists administer oxygen and other medical gases to patients, take blood gas and perform other tests under a doctor's supervision.

Adolph’s legislation, H.B. 2088, will require respiratory therapists to be licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Currently, respiratory therapists are only certified by the state, despite a statewide effort in the 1990s by the therapists to make respiratory therapy a licensed profession.  Adolph noted that many respiratory therapists are under the mistaken profession that they are state licensed, because they receive a licensure number from the Commonwealth.

Adolph’s legislation will also require that respiratory therapists receive 30 hours of continuing education every two years, a 50 percent increase over current standards.  The 30 hours of continuing education ensures that continuing education for respiratory therapists is consistent with Governor Rendell’s “Prescription of Pennsylvania,” which is seeking to increase continuing education hours for healthcare workers. 

“This legislation will ensure that those patients who receive respiratory therapy have access to the best quality of care,” said Adolph, who represents portions of Morton, Springfield, Marple, and Radnor.  “We are ensuring that these health care providers are properly licensed by the state and that they are receiving adequate continuing education on treatment options, patient safety, and the latest advanced in the profession.  I am very pleased that this legislation received the overwhelming approval of the legislature and the support of Governor Rendell.”

Bill Adolph represents the 165th Legislative District, which includes portions of Morton, Springfield, Marple, and Radnor.