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Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Ellensburg, WA November 14, 2009

Welcome-Call to Order – Dennis Archer 11:55 AM

Roll Call – Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

President - Dennis Archer

President Elect – Carl Hinkson

Immediate Past President – Dennis Bing

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

AARC HOD Delegate - Gary Wickman

AARC HOD Delegate - Eric Anderson

BOD 2009 - Scott Mahoney

BOD 2011 - Celeste Stubbs

Eastern Chapter – Denny Duncan

Mt Rainier Chapter – Jackie Ray

Puget Sound Chapter – Jon Jahns

Absent:

Vice President – Earl Moore

BOD 2010 - Sharon Linquist

BOD 2009 - Thomasa McCown

BOD 2010 - Carolyn Benner

BOD 2011 - Garth Arkell

Cascade Chapter – Ty Sauve

Central Chapter – Tom Utigard

Non-voting members:

Medical Directors: Josh Benditt, MD; Donald Howard, M.D. - absent

Program Director – Lauri Stevens - absent

Program Co-Chair - Dee Arkell - present

Webmaster - Terry Smith- present

Reg online (program) - Bill Nehring - absent

Sleep Adhoc – Nicki Bly - present

Ad hoc committee member – Paula Nehring -absent

Ad hoc committee member - Scott Alberts - absent

Student representative - none

Minutes – Lisa Bennett, Secretary

The minutes of the 3rd Quarterly BOD Meeting, Sept 14th were read silently and approved without changes.

Opening Remarks – Dennis Archer It has been a busy year for RCSW with H1N1 flu pandemic where RTs are at the center. National Ventilator survey by HHS and AARC completed with 75% national participation, but WA state participation was 100%. We have new threats to our licensure act from the Sleep community and a challenge re: taking orders from mid-level practitioners i.e.: Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants. Therefore, we will have to open our bill to clarify language. RCSW is active in addressing these issues.

Committee Reports

Treasurer’s Report – Steve Andersen - YTD financial information presented and summarized as $24,428 total funds available (including checking $4904.47 and savings $19,525.67). Reg Online cost was $2300, discussion continued on pros and cons of using Reg Online. Celeste stated that the paper registrations are fraught with error and time consuming.

Eric is presenting our registration process as best practice to HOD. He will ask other affiliates and AARC what they use for registration.

Finance Report – Steve Anderson - We are changing to Key Bank, will have credit card available for RCSW expenses/program, etc. Discussion about the usefulness of Reg Online, If it is worth the expense, consider the demographic information available through Reg Online that we don’t or haven’t used. Program committee financial members to advise the Finance committee and vice versa about alternatives to Reg Online,considering all costs and usefulness. This to be an adhoc committee, Celeste, Eric, Steve Andersen, to explore best possible way to go with registration.

Membership – Earl Moore absent this meeting, but did do a recruitment speech at the Chapter meeting. She is working on ideas shared by Gary Kauffman.

Program – Co-chairs Jon Jahns and Lauri Stephens, Jon presented a written report of planning committee, speakers and topics confirmed and those pending confirmation. There will be five sections: Pediatrics, PFT, Sleep, Management and Student. Gary Kauffman will meet with the BOD on Saturday evening. Dennis A. has applied for event liability insurance for $1000.

2010 RCSW Conference April 11,12, 13 at the Doubletree in SeaTac.

Scholarship/ Continuing Education – Garth submitted a written report. Request again $250 for each of the 4 schools in WA state. Questioning if other schools like Pima should be included. Pima has accreditation pending. BOD chose to continue this year with the four CC programs and to suggest that the scholarship committee address any other respiratory programs like Pima next year, if they are accredited programs. Garth would like to proceed with Excellence award for practitioners. Chapter presidents are to start discussing how to recognize a Practitioner of Excellence.

Bylaws – no action.

Communications / Webmaster–Terry Smith submitted a written report of data regarding the website. Regarding the job site, question for how many job inquiries are made? Terry to check this and use this information to sell to HR depts. Discussion ensued re: advertising on the website and on the newsletter and conference program. Board recommends ads posted per approval of the board with example added to minutes. Preference of the BOD is to keep the website professional and put the ads in the newsletter, conference program. Terry to create criteria for ads. Consider allowing our supporting vendors to post. Eric to send a letter to the vendors, may be a source of revenue to offset expenses. Eric to submit a list of participating vendors to Terry to post on RCSW.org with booth information as a benefit to our RCSW practitioners.

Newsletter – Scott Mahoney continues to be interested in making Newsletter, requests examples of past newsletters. Scott requests submissions for the newsletter. Newsletter to be mailed to hospitals, alternate sites, as well as available on the RCSW website.

Chapter Affairs – Dennis Bing continues to offer to attend chapter meetings, has been waiting for an invitation. Rainier Chapter invited him to their meeting. He is willing to help people get a meeting together, as well.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Cascade: Ty Sauve – no report

Puget Sound Chapter: Jon Jahns - Currently planning, February Annual Mike Sipes memorial meeting. Managers’ soiree may be combined with the Mike Sipes Memorial meeting.

Central Chapter: Tom Utigard – no report

Rainier Chapter: Jackie Ray - Sept 27^th at Harrison Medical in Silverdale mini-conference and chapter meeting offering 3 CEU. 19 people attended, Gary Wickman’s legislative update was well recieved. Dennis Bing coming to St. Pete’s Jan 16^th conference with 4-5 lectures, 5 CEUs. Carl is starting a journal club. Aberdeen and Silverdale interested in a conference.

Eastern Chapter: Denny Duncan-Peds & Neonatal presentation by Respironics Nov 2, CEUs – 2 and approx 20 in attendance, included a chapter meeting @ Deaconess Hospital. Planning late spring meeting with Dennis Archer invited and Earle to encourage membership.

Nominations/Elections – Thomasa McCowan absent, Dennis Archer relays results of the elections. Denny Duncan will continue as Easter Chapter president. MOTION to accept results of the election. After discussion the motion was rejected. There was no candidate on the ballot for President Elect. There were 5 write-in names, each getting 2 votes. Motion: invoke bylaws for filling vacant office and at next election, 2010 ballot, present both President and President-Elect. Motion seconded and carried. Vice-President Scott Mahoney will fulfill the duties of the President Elect as well.

Motion: to accept the ballot results with the exception of President-Elect. Motion was seconded and carried.

Results of the election:

President Elect – no majority candidate of the write-ins

Vice President – Scott Mahoney

Delegate – Jon Jahns

BOD 2012 – Dennis Bing

BOD 2012 – Nicki Bly

Cascade Chapter President – Ty Sauve

Central Chapter President – Dan Welch

Eastern Chapter President – Denny Duncan

Puget Sound Chapter President – Fred Goglia

Rainier Chapter President – Jackie Ray

Next item is: the board of director’s member Carolyn Benner is not an AARC member and therefore inelligible to hold office. Dennis A. has been unable to contact her. She has not attended meetings. Motion: remove Carolyn Benner from the elected position due to “neglect of duties”. Motion seconded and passed. Next is discussion about filling the vacant BOD position. Motion: in order to fill BOD vacancy, acquire reasonable slate of candidates by year end, minimum of two, with email vote in January. Send nominations to Dennis Archer who will create Survey Monkey ballot for vote. Motion seconded and carried.

Legislative –Carl Hinkson – our bills S343 and HR 1077 – little is coming from AARC on where this is, given the health care reform debated. Our bills having to do with RTs working under supervision of physician as in nurse practitioners and PAs. Still need congress people to sign-on as sponsors for this legislation despite whether they can support the health care legislation or not-two - different issues. WA state DOH meeting: Issue: RTs taking orders from mid-level practitioners (PA, NP). Our bill does not have the language to cover this, thus, we must open our bill. As we open our bill, we need to address some of the other issues, such as who is qualified to administer ECHMO and titrate Bipap. We expect the sleep community to get involved in this. Our lobbyist, Nick Frederici is drafting written language, that draft copy will be emailed to the RCSW BOD for review. This is best handled with a rule change. RCSW needs to be proactive on the issues before opening the bill. Need to collect info on instances of the sleep community having violations on record, consider the newer inhaled medications. We need help to decide which issues to handle with simple rule change and which issues require opening the bill. Carl will contact Cheryl West at AARC for help. Lisa will contact Jerry Liskey to see if he has an interest in helping, since he was instrumental in getting our original practice act completed.

Staffing is changing again, loss program coordinator at DOH, DOH QA is on our side while AASM and AST are putting out money to get laws and licensure for sleep. Consider a statement from RCSW that clearly states our position and signed-off by our Medical Directors. Get other medical directors to write letters of support to the state.

Delegate’s Report- Eric Anderson reports that RCSW will receive and award of 5 scholarships to the national convention for 100% participation in the ventilator survey. As Eric prepares to go to the National conference in December, he presented two resolutions to be discussed at the meeting. 1) consider a discounted membership for RTs over age 65y who may not be working in the field but would like to keep their membership, and we need the numbers. 2) Discuss a no – compete clause with the AARC, where AARC would not compete with Affiliates. Eric presented a Motion: RCSW establish a new budget to provide annual donation of $500 to the AARC Disaster Relief Fund and the ACRF International Fellowship program. Donations will be approved annually by the RCSW Board based on availability of funds. Motion seconded and carried.

Strategic/Long-Range Planning – Carl Hinkson - UW Tacoma BA in Health Leadership degree program is up and running. Respiratory Care is not set up as a track due to time constraints. Oregon Technical Institute (private school) is hoping for some support from their 4-yr program – clinical sites.

Sleep – Nicky Bly suggests that RCSW contact physicians to get their support for the newly proposed pressure relief ventilation in sleep. There are not enough people in the sleep market to allow this. Nicky to contact states that have been putting up a fight in this area for suggestions for RCSW action.

Adjourned: 14:30

Respectfully submitted, Lisa Bennett, Secretary

Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Ellensburg, WA Sept 12, 2009

Welcome-Call to Order – Dennis Archer 1:10 pm

Roll Call – Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

President - Dennis Archer

Immediate Past President – Dennis Bing

Vice President – Earl Moore

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

AARC HOD Delegate - Gary Wickman

AARC HOD Delegate - Eric Anderson

BOD 2010 - Sharon Linquist

BOD 2011 - Celeste Stubbs

Central Chapter – Tom Utigard

Eastern Chapter – Denny Duncan

Mt Rainier Chapter – Jackie Ray

Absent:

President Elect – Carl Hinkson

BOD 2009 - Scott Mahoney

BOD 2009 - Thomasa McCown

BOD 2010 - Carol Benner

BOD 2011 - Garth Arkell

Puget Sound Chapter – Jon Jahns

Cascade Chapter – Ty Sauve

Non-voting members:

Medical Directors: Josh Benditt, MD; Donald Howard, M.D. - absent

Program Director – Lauri Stevens - absent

Program Co-Chair - Dee Arkell - present

Webmaster - Terry Smith- absent

Reg online (program) - Bill Nehring - absent

Sleep Adhoc – Nicki Bly - absent

Ad hoc committee member – Paula Nehring -absent

Ad hoc committee member - Scott Alberts - absent

Student representative - none

Minutes – Lisa Bennett, Secretary

The minutes of the 2^nd Quarterly BOD Meeting, April 25^th were read silently and approved without changes.

Opening Remarks – Dennis Archer It has been a busy year for AARC with position statement on H1N1 and current National Ventilator Survey under HHS contract closing Sept. 30 with anticipated 90% hospital participation. Currently WA state is at 59% participation. AARC is providing on-line training for the LTV 1200 – chosen stockpile ventilator for disaster preparedness. CMS issued ruling on Inpatient Rehab which did not include RCP – AARC is drafting a letter to CMS to include RTs in the 3-hour/day required rehab activity for appropriate patients.

Committee Reports

Treasurer’s Report – Steve Andersen - YTD financial information presented and summarized as $26,154 total funds (including savings). Conference made about $9137 as of today, however, Dee explained there are some adjustments that will bring the bottom line to $10,000. Bill Nehring deserves big thank you! for administering Reg-Online, which is not necessarily user friendly and a lot of work.

Steve continues to check on bank services that will fit our needs and has Key Bank as the most favorable choice. The finance committee will finalize this decision.

Budget proposal from Dennis Archer regarding additional insurance for losses due to injuries, mishaps, pandemics which could affect attendance at meetings, anything else unforeseen. This is an additional $1000 to our current policy and there are variations of this. The details will be worked-out in the finance committee and submitted as budget item.

Membership – Earl Moore met with Garry Kauffman fromAARC/ Pen State Society. Garry had lots of info, ideas. Earl will email everyone the info and her ideas for increasing membership. Earl needs person on the West side to partner with for membership. WA state has approx. 882 AARC members, need 61 new members by year-end to reach 50% practitioners. Challenge: each BOD member to recruit at least 1 new member before our next BOD meeting. Get info to Earl about results. Consider sending posters to hospitals, post on website, for membership recruitment, post in upcoming newsletter. Garry has offered to speak to BOD meeting regarding membership. Earl will talk to Carl about the transition meeting.

Program – Dee presented written data about the 2009 Conference. Discussion included, attendance was down on the 3^rd day, looks like about $10,500 profit. Evaluations will go to Lauri for 2010 program consideration. Eric, who has been managing the exhibitors for 20+ years, states he had to turn away about 10 vendors, which is surprising given the down economy. Had 55 booths, new GES contract, higher cost/booth. Jon Jahns sent letter announcing:

2010 RCSW Conference April 11,12, 13 at the Doubletree in SeaTac.

Scholarship/ Continuing Education – Garth submitted a written report. He is sending scholarship applications out late winter quarter, expecting return by March 24. The RCSW annual meeting is earlier this year, thus, earlier date.

Garth expressed much appreciation for the “education” board that reviews the papers. That board consists of 5 chapter presidents plus President and Past President.

Bylaws – no action.

Communications / Webmaster– In Terry’s absence Dennis A. reports that he has been approached about two areas that involve our RCSW website. 1) Selling ads on the site. Dennis will get the particulars about what ads, etc, and will talk to Terry. 2) A library for out-of-the country educational offerings would like to use our educational power points. BOD felt, if they want access, they could put a link to our website.

Newsletter – Scott Mahoney continues to be interested in making Newsletter, requests examples of past newsletters. Both Gary W. and Eric have old newsletters to share with Scott. Scott requests submissions for the newsletter, Earl has offered membership article already.

Chapter Affairs – Dennis Bing continues to offer to attend chapter meetings, has been waiting for an invitation. He is willing to help people get a meeting together, as well.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Cascade: Ty Sauve – no report

Puget Sound Chapter: Jon Jahns - no report

Central Chapter: Tom Utigard – working with ATS of WA on something in conjunction with the January Leavenworth lung conference. October 24th Medical Director- Pulmonologist speak at Regional Hospital in Yakima for the Central Chapter.

Rainier Chapter: Jackie Ray - Sept 27^th at Harrison Medical in Silverdale mini-conference and chapter meeting offering 5 CRCE. Will include membership and legislative update.

Eastern Chapter: Denny Duncan-Peds & Neonatal presentation by Respironics Nov 2 to include a chapter meeting @ Deaconess Hospital.

Nominations/Elections – Thomasa McCowan absent, Dennis Archer relays that Thomasa is finishing up the ballot tabulation. Results will come by email to the BOD to authenticate the vote.

Legislative – Gary Wickman/Carl Hinkson Gary Wickman – our bills S343 and HR 1077 are poised and ready to attach to any healthcare bill that comes out of congress this year. Our bills having to do with RTs working under supervision of physician as in nurse practitioners and PAs. Still need congress people to sign-on as sponsors for this legislation despite whether they can support the health care legislation or not-two - different issues.

State of WA activity is exciting. Transition organization and personnel in DOH to Jennifer Summers. Dennis Archer, Dennis Bing, Carl, Steve, and Gary met with Blake and Jennifer and have another meeting in the works to get interpretive statements on things like “who can set up O2, CPAP/Bipap” ECMO rulings, etc. DOH will issue Quarterly Safety Update with more info, especially concerning LIP. We will have to open our bill to update the language due to changes in practice not anticipated when bill was written. Email Gary or Carl with any ideas regarding the opening of our practice act. RCSW will work on wording of any changes. We should all be looking within the bill for anything that concerns standard of care now and in the future. There is currently a threat underway; 17 practitioners charged with “practicing outside the scope” by taking orders from PA or NP. RCSW is on it.

Delegate’s Report – Gary Wickman/Eric Anderson attended meeting in Florida in July. No resolutions brought forward. Polysomnography issue: AARC sent letter to AASM stating that RRTs should not need extra licensure or credential to obtain lab certification. Jennifer (DOH) states that: Yes, sleep is covered in our RT practice act, and No, there have been no reports of wrongdoing among RCPs in the Sleep realm.

World COPD Day Nov 18^th – RCSW plan to do spirometry, some type of participation, but may have to wait until January when legislature is in session.

Pulmonary Rehab – with CMS – bill is flawed providing only one CPT code for a multi-disciplinary team of PT, Speech, OT, RT, considers emphysema only in rehab, not recognizing other diseases and conditions. We do have RT on the CPT coding team, so hoping for some changes.

On the To Do List: 1) Co-Arc transition to commission accredited schools.

2) Asthma Educator prep courses on-line.

3) COPD educator prep courses on-line TBA.

4) Best practice committee suggestions for RCSW were our BOD video teleconferences, Reg-online. If anyone has any suggestions, present them to Eric for presentation at delegates meeting.

Disaster Relief fund – RCSW pledged $250 for the year.

Consider International Fellowship fund contribution, making these two items standing items in our annual budget.

(Celeste is still looking for someone to sponsor an International Fellow.)

Policy manual for RCSW – still planning to develop one. Lisa will check with Jerry Liskey to see what has been developed in the past.

Chairman of the Board of Medical Advisors encourages chapters to develop relationships with other professional groups with similar interests like NAMDRC, ALA, AAPediatrics, join forces to work on legislation.

Strategic/Long-Range Planning – Carl Hinkson sent announcement of theUW Tacoma BA in Health Leadership degree program coming Autumn 2009!! Fulltime and Parttime options available- all courses meet on the UW Tacoma Campus.

Transition Meeting – Carl Hinkson planning for Nov 14^th, two days in Wenatchee.

Adjourned: 1540

Respectfully submitted, Lisa Bennett, Secretary

Minutes review and accepted as written by RCSW BOD 11/14/2009

RCSW Annual Business meeting

April 28, 2009

36^th Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Respiratory Care Conference and Scientific Assembly

Red Lion at the Park - Spokane, WA

Call to Order: 07:30 Dennis Archer

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

President - Dennis Archer

President Elect – Carl Hinkson

Immediate Past President – Dennis Bing

Vice President – Earl Moore

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

AARC HOD Delegate - Gary Wickman

BOD 2009 - Scott Mahoney

BOD 2009 - Thomasa McCown

BOD 2010 - Sharon Linquist

BOD 2011 - Celeste Stubbs

BOD 2011 - Garth Arkell

Cascade Chapter – Ty Sauve

Central Chapter – Tom Utigard

Puget Sound Chapter – Jon Jahns

Mt Rainier Chapter – Jackie Ray

Absent/Excused

AARC HOD Delegate - Eric Anderson

BOD 2010 - Carol Benner

Eastern Chapter – Denny Duncan

Committee Members :

Webmaster Terry Smith, - present

Co-chair, Annual Program Dee Arkell - present

Program Committee, Scholarship/Education Garth Arkell , - present

Program committee, Reg Online Bill Nehring - present

AdHoc committee member Paula Nehring - present

Sleep Ad Hoc committee member Nicki Bly – present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-excused

Dr. Donald Howard, Co-Medical Advisor-excused

Reading & approval of Annual Business Meeting minutes 4/27/08 : Minutes were read/reviewed silently and approved

Opening Remarks Dennis Archer Dennis recognized the program committee and thanked them for an excellent conference, acknowledging that these are difficult economic times and the attendance has still been good. The attendance reflects slightly different demographics with our alternating conference sites. Advised the members of the work being done by the RCSW to get a bachelor’s program for RT and that last year, with the help of the membership, congress passed the Pulmonary Rehab reimbursement bill. Still outstanding and needing member support is the Medicare Part B initiative to get RTs into alternate sites. Dennis encouraged RTs to access Capital Connection through RCSW or AARC website and send letters to congress people.

Email and voting Thomasa McCowan Recruiting nominations for upcoming elections/officers and board members. Please provide RCSW with current email addresses for communication purposes. This ballot will be a mail ballot, but next year the plan is to have e-voting in place. For anyone interested in running for a position and wanting to know what the responsibilities and expectations are, ask any of the current officers. (editor: Our goal is to have complete job descriptions developed and available by the end of 2009.)

Treasurer’s Report Steve Andersen For the year ending 2008, $27,272 cash on hand in savings and checking. This is a $6400 increase over 2007. Our net revenue from our main source of income, the annual conference was $15K, reflecting good management on the part of our program committee. We paid out $6K for our legislative efforts, $3500 in scholarships and grants, $970 to Webmaster but the job site provided $770 income for a net of $200 for the Website which has been praised by AARC, ATC, and others as one of the best. Thanks to Terry Smith for his good work.

Membership Earl Moore Earl has BIG PLANS. Reminder to members that we get reimbursed a portion of your AARC dues for our general fund. Look for membership recruiting activities to come.

Program Dee Arkell The conference this year has met all of its goals. Vendors filled the exhibit area to overflowing, and the attendance exceeded the goal of 300. We have 80 students, who are our leaders of tomorrow. All of the activities work together to make the conference what it is, the education, the vendors information and the fun.

Scholarship/Continuing Ed Garth Arkell 12 papers were submitted for the scholarship program representing all four RT schools. Winners were: Jennifer Oneall $500 Spokane Community College; LeAnn Garcia $1500 Spokane Community College; and Jennifer Clark $1500 Seattle Center Community College. The 3 top papers were very close in voting reponses, so the BOD voted to approve an additional $500 scholarship for the 3rd place winner.

Communications/Webmaster Terry Smith Terry has had the web page up since 1990 and continues to improve it. Terry will have the conference presentations, in PDF format, posted on the website by May 3. Remember to market the jobsite as an economical job posting for any institution. Cost is $110 for 30 days. RCSW gets 40% of that amount. Top access for the website 1million hits for the CEU page and about 1million for the conference presentations. Notify Terry of any broken links. If any educational activity is available, notify Terry to have it posted on the website. ATS and WTS have links from the website.

Chapter Affairs Dennis Bing Dennis is committed to visiting all chapter meetings. Notify him of dates, and he will bring, as available, either Carl or Gary for legislative contacts and Dennis Archer as available. Dennis is the liaison for chapter presidents.

Eastern Chapter Dennis Archer for Denny Duncan Planning a fall meeting on Ped/Neonatal issues and a fun even, maybe bowling.

Puget Sound Chapter Jon Johns 2008 Annual Critical Care conference with Margaret Neff as speaker. Also, getting a groundswell with Bob Bonner and others to take to Olympia on some issues affecting Respiratory Care practice.

Cascade Chapter Ty Sauve 2008 - Bipap workshop with RT/CCU nurses. Plan 2-3 mini-conferences. June on OSA treatment and equipment, one on CO2 monitoring. Watch the RCSW website for information.

Mt Rainier Chapter Jackie Ray 2008, conference in Silverdale work 5-6 CEUs well attended. Plans to focus on building membership over coming year.

Central Chapter Tom Utigard 2009 One day meeting end of July with physician speaking. Info will be forthcoming.

Legislative Gary Wickman Gary and Carl Hinckson attended the PACT meeting in D.C. working on the Medicare Part B bachelors’ degree for reimbursement in alternate sites. Current 435 Activation to have members ask their legislators to support funding $1million for CDC to study COPD, the #4 leading cause of death in this country. May 1 is deadline to get legislators to sign on to the bill.

On the Washington State level, changes at the DOH in organization and personnel. RCSW is there to help clarify scope of practice issues, question increase in licensure rates and remain available to answer any questions. Currently there are approx 2500 practicing RTs in the state, with approx 900 members of the RCSW. This is less than 30% of our profession and, to be a stronger voice, we need to have greater % of membership.

Delegate Gary Wickman Gary is head of the “Chartered Affiliate Committee”, of which we are one. This committee awards “Summitt Award” to the affiliate that does the most to support its members and the profession. The HOD meets twice a year at the Summer Forum and at the yearly congress. The delegates are the liaison with membership to the AARC about any issues. Contact Gary or Eric Anderson about any issues you want them to present.

Strategic Planning Carl Hinkson Goal of RCSW is to get a 4-yr bachelor’s degree program. U of W (Tacoma) is developing a program in Health Care leadership and are interested in providing an RT track for this. Despite the economy, this is still a viable program but is a multi-year effort to achieve our goal. Currently there are on-line bachelors programs.

Sleep Nicki Bly There are some growing concerns about sleep in health care. We are watching the development of rules with regard to RTs in the sleep lab and the RPSGT credentialing. There are issues with CPAP and O2 titration. A program has been developed in WA state offering an Assoc degree in Sleep. Nicki will be attending the Focus conference for more information and networking.

Flaming Carinas from Highline Community College won the sputum bowl.

07:20 Meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Bennett, Secretary

Board of Director’s Meeting

April 25, 2009

2nd Quarterly meeting Red Lion Spokane, Washington

Call to Order: 1905 Dennis Archer

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

President - Dennis Archer

President Elect – Carl Hinkson

Immediate Past President – Dennis Bing

Vice President – Earl Moore

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

AARC Delegate - Gary Wickman

AARC Delegate - Eric Anderson

BOD 2009 -Scott Mahoney

BOD 2009 - Thomasa McCown

BOD 2011 - Garth Arkell

BOD 2011 - Celeste Stubbs

Eastern Chapter – Denny Duncan

Puget Sound Chapter – Jon Jahns

Cascade Chapter – Ty Sauve

Mt Rainier Chapter – Jackie Ray

Absent:

BOD 2010 - Carol Benner

BOD 2010 - Sharon Linquist

Central Chapter – Tom Utigard

Non-voting members:

Program Director – Lauri Stephens - present

Webmaster - Terry Smith - present

Program Co-Chair - Dee Arkell - present

Sleep Adhoc – Niki Bly - present

Program Dir emeritus – Bob Bonner - present

CoMed Dirs: Josh Benditt, MD; Donald Howard, M.D. absent

Reg online (program) - Bill Nehring - absent

Ad hoc committee member – Paula Nehring- absent

Ad hoc committee member - Scott Alberts - absent

Student representative – none present

Minutes – the minutes of the 4^th quarterly meeting of 2008 were read silently and approved. The minutes of the 1^st quarterly BOD meeting 2009 were read silently and approved.

Opening Remarks Dennis Archer

Thanks to the program committee for the work they have done making this conference happen- Agenda/program look great.

Treasurer’s Report Steve Andersen

Currently $41,364 cash on hand, savings and checking to include the two missing AARC revenue-sharing checks which were reissued and deposited.

Finance committee Dennis Archer

B of A could not meet our needs so the charge was to look at banking alternatives. Three institutions showed interest in serving us, WAMU/JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Key Bank. They all have products that will meet our needs i.e., electronic credit device, 2 signatures on checks over $1000, fluidity to move money between checking and savings, plus a bonus of some point/reward system that we could use. The finance committee, Carl H, Steve A, and Dennis A. will meet and pick a bank. Carl will be the chairperson. Another issue, our insurance. BOD has limited liability policy, one that covers against business losses and use of facilities w/acts of terrorism. Dennis A will look more closely at our policy to cover liability with conference events, business insurance in case of loss of income. Need to cover committee members who are not members of the BOD or officers. Webmaster needs some coverage. May need to add “chief technology officer” when revising the bylaws. Anyone with concerns about liability coverage, please contact Dennis A or Carl.

Membership Earl Moore met with Garry Kauffman at AARC, pointman for this from state of PA, who made fantastic membership growth. He is at this meeting and Earl will meet with him for ideas. We have 2100 – 2900 RTs in the state, if we can get 75% membership, we can provide more education quality and not have to worry about cost of meetings. Carl and Dennis A. have some ideas from their Dallas mtg and will join Earl to meet with Garry.

Scholarship/Continuing Ed Garth Arkell 12 papers representing all four RT schools in the state. Voting is very close for the top 3 again this year. Motion; BOD to fund three scholarships for 2009. Motion was amended to state “fund a 3^rd scholarship of $500 for a student”. Motion was carried as amended.

Program 2009 – Dee Arkell and Earl Moore Conference numbers are good. Vendors at 58 plus 7, which is overflow for this facility. Anticipated 300+ attendance, made 355 packets and may run out. Plated breakfast for the business meeting setup for 125, need to get commitments from people, issue tickets, as we pay for 125 whether they come or not and any extra are more money. 20 vendors used RegOnline this year as opposed to 10 last year. Need name badges to enter meeting and vendor area.

Communication/Webmaster – Terry Smith YTD expenses $971 with income of $775 from job site. CEU page has amost 1 million hits since 7/10/06, presentations have almost 1million hits as well. If presenters are concerned about “theft” of slides, they can be converted to PDF files to protect them. Notify Terry of broken links. Terry emphasized the need for a new newsletter. Scott Mahoney offered to develop one. Earl will help with this. Send any articles/items to Scott or Earl for publication. Consider emailing newsletter to alternate sites and hospital depts.

Chapter Affairs Dennis Bing is waiting for invitations to chapter meetings. Would like to provide info on how to set up a meeting, job descriptions, consider posting job descriptions on the website. Dennis Archer will email the affiliate handbook to everyone which contains job descriptions. Expect to use job descriptions and hints and tips for each position to help in the transition meeting in November. Submit chapter activities for CEUs early enough to get CRCE/CEU credits free from AARC.

Chapter President Reports:

East: Denny Duncan Fall meeting, maybe Neonatal/Peds topic, maybe have a dinner gathering for social event. Work with Earl on membership development.

Puget Sound: Jon Jahns RC managers’ “soiree” at Valley Medical Center 18-19 folks. Had legislative update and discussion of orientation processes, very helpful. He plans to hold another in June with Olympia folks discussing 4-yr program and another in October.

Cascade Ty Sauve sent questionnaire to hospitals about meeting topics, but didn’t get much response. Had meeting, Bipap workshop with Chris Cella, attended by CCU nurses and RT. Overall good workshop and may do again for those that were unable to attend. June 20 Quest healthcare mini-conference on OSA, equipment, monitoring. May consider overlapping chapters to invite to these events.

Central not present

Rainier Jackie Ray Meeting in Nov for 6 CEUs, well attended. Plan mini-conference late Sept/Oct and chapter meeting. MultiCare in October for RC Week.

Nominations/ Elections Thomasa McCowan Discussed various evoting options. Action: will stay with paper ballot for this year but notify, on the ballot, that next year will be an electronic process. Continue to explore the options and choose one that will serve RCSW purposes.

Legislative Gary Wickman and Carl Hinkson PACT to D. C. lobbied for HR 1077 Medicare Reimbursement and SR343. Felt the trip was successful although did not get more sponsors and none from Washington state. Need more pressure from home constituents. AARC wants to see an appropriation from congress for CDC to study COPD $1M.

Earl Moore met with Cathy McMorris Rodgers and was asked to sit on a Healthcare roundtable.

Legislative (cont) On Washington State level, Oct/Nov met with DOH transition team and in January followup, team members and even organization of DOH had changed. Still waiting for definite determination on ECMO, Blake says he has answers, but none forthcoming. May need to open our bill to get something formal. Consider BOD meeting in Olympia to get some action, ask Nick to facilitate this meeting.

Delegates: Gary and Eric are going to July Delegate meeting in Florida. Gary Wickman asks the BOD to consider donating to the AARC Chartered Affiliates Disaster Relief fund. Motion: RCSW to donate $250 to AARC Disaster Reilef Fund. Motion carried. Resolutions will be emailed for input when Gary and Eric have them available.

Strategic Planning: Carl Hinkson. Carl continues his liaison work with the UW- Tacoma on the BS completion program. The program is going forward, next Manager’s Roundtable meeting will have Dr. Sharon Folk attending.

Sleep community Nicki Bly will attend Focus conference in 2 weeks. Discussion groups scheduled for the controversial issues. Consider elevating education Bipap/CPAP and O2 titration. In 2012, RTs will not be eligible to do sleep unless coming from accredited program. The AARC asks the RCSW to send a letter to Wa State licensure Board asking 3 questions:

1) Are licensed Respiratory Therapists permitted to perform sleep testing in WA state?

2) Have licensed Respiratory Therapists provided sleep services in WA state?

3) Has there ever been any disciplinary action involving licensed Respiratory Therapists and Sleep in Washington state?

President Dennis Archer will draft such a letter on behalf of RCSW.

Charge to all officers and committee members: come to next meeting with rough draft of position/duties. Use affilitate handbook and bylaws for resources.

21:15 the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Bennett

Secretary

**Meeting minutes approved as written by BOD at 3^rd Quarterly meeting, September 12, 2009.

Board of Director’s Meeting

November 7, 2008

Seattle, WA

Call to Order: 13:30 Dennis Bing

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Bing

President Elect – Dennis Archer

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate – Eric Anderson

Delegate - Gary Wickman

BOD 2008 - Donavan Knight

BOD 2008 - Greg Carter

BOD 2009 - Scott Mahoney

Eastern Chapter President - Earl Moore

Rainier Chapter President - Jackie Ray

Absent:

Past President – Dennis Criswell

Vice President - Celeste Stubbs

BOD 2010 - Sharon Linquist

BOD 2010 - Carolyn Benner

BOD 2009 - Thomasa McCown

Puget Sound Chapter President - Jon Jahns

Cascade Chapter President - Ty Sauve

Central Chapter President - John Nee

Non-voting Members:

Medical Directors: Josh Benditt, MD; Donald Howard, M.D. absent

Program Director - Bob Bonner - present

Webmaster - Terry Smith - present

Reg online (program) - Bill Nehring - Absent

Program Co-Chair - Dee Arkell - Absent

Ad hoc committee member – Paula Nehring- Absent

Ad hoc committee member - Scott Alberts - Absent

Mentoring member -Chris Teagarten - Absent

Student representative - Jinie Cho (SCCC)

Welcome to student representatives: Jinie Cho (SCCC) Jinie is 2^nd year RT student and works at Overlake Hospital. BOD encourages any students to attend board meetings.

Thank you to Draager Medical for providing lunch for the meeting.

Reading & approval of BOD minutes 4/27/08 : Minutes were read/reviewed silently and approved with one correction; Carl Hinkson was present at the meeting.

Treasurer's report: Steve Andersen (see handouts) Steve presented financial statement as of 3^rd quarter, 2008. $10K that was a long-term CD, converted to savings this year and remains there due to interest rates being so low. Steve would like to leave the money in the savings acct where it is earning 3.5-4% interest now, until a long-term CD(8 yr) would be available at 6% interest. BOD concurred. AARC comptroller, Tony Lovio, recommends a $12-15K buffer. RCSW shows net gain of $6K as of the 3^rd quarter, so for cash flow purposes, leaving savings as is, appropriate. Dennis Archer recommends finance committee decide what type of savings account is best.

Steve reports that RCSW is bonded as of 2008. Thank you to Steve for the completeness and detail of the treasurer’s report and for his thorough and timely financial management.

AARC HOD Delegates report: Gary Wickman, Eric Anderson

December is the next HOD meeting. Two resolutions proposed and discussed.

#94-08-24 – “Resolved that the AARC provide the option of direct deposit of stare affiliate’s quarterly revenue sharing checks into affiliate’s checking account.” BOD advised to support this resolution.

#80-08-25 – “Resolve that the AARC Chartered Affiliates handbook (latest edition 1/08) be revised…………BOD advised listening to discussion, if is in the interest of other chartered affiliates, to support.

Gary Wickman is chairman of the Chartered Affiliates Committee – there is an award for “Best Affiliate” which Gary encourages application from RCSW. Committee is revamping criteria for the award modeling after “magnet status”

Eric Anderson is on the Best Practices Committee – Erick challenges RCSW to submit “best practices” application(s) to AARC for recognition.

Gary discussed the “E” voting process. RCSW can do this independently without having to purchase a license for the software because we are less than 5K membership. Dennis to review the bylaws to determine if we can do this without changing bylaws. If we do implement “E” voting, cost would be about $975 – access Vote.net. Hope to get this approved before 2009 elections.

Committee reports

Finance: Dennis Archer

1) planning an external audit – discussion about what an audit would entail, i.e., cost, CPA, external group review like our present tax consultants. Our tax person Jan Jensen, reviewed the books for 2007-2008 finding no irregularities. Because we have a fiduciary responsibility to our membership, Steve would like a legal opinion on what is necessary in the way of an audit. Dennis Archer will contact Tony Lovio, comptroller at AARC, and report to BOD.

2) review of check signing procedure – (see motion under new business) Require two signatures when the amount is $1K or more. The bank should be able to accommodate this action. We already have two signatures on the Cash Exchange Record.

Legislative: Gary Wickman, Carl Hinkson: March 9-10 is PACT meeting in Washington, D. C. Time and expenses cut back, so more money needed in the budget for 2009 PACT activity. Carl to submit budget needs to Dennis Archer for 2009. Pulmonary Rehab bill passed this last legislature.

Ad Hoc committee: Report on DOH mtg 10/31/08 – Gary Wickman

Licensure activity has been separated at the DOH from Rules/Scope and Discipline responsibility, which should be a good thing. Now have Blake Marish and Erin Obenland to deal with on rules and scope and hope to get formal ADHOC board. Nick Frederici (our lobbyist) will get involved.

Need:

· Stories/names of people not getting their licenses due to backlog. Send info to Gary or Carl or Dennis. Blake has promised to resolve issues immediately.

· Letter of support from Medical Directors to establish ADHOC advisory board. Gary Wickman can provide details for letter to DOH.

· Letter of support for ECMO for those hospitals providing the service or suspending the service.

Program:

1) Bob Bonner, Nicki Bly, Eric Anderson- report on 35th Annual regional Conference

Bob presented stats from 2008 comparing with 2004, 2005 and 2007. Goals achieved: attendance, exhibits, students, finances, grants rec’d, CRCE’s available, intangibles and social aspect.

Challenges to address: business meeting proper scheduling/venue? Encourage BOD presentations to WOW! The attendees. Lisa to provide 2008 minutes for attendees. How to increase Eastern WA attendance?

Detailed breakdown of various stats much appreciated by BOD, thanks to Bob and committee.

Program, continued:

Eric reported on vendor organization. Eric has been doing vendors for 19 years! He would welcome a person to mentor into the organizing if one was interested and committed. Eric explained that the GES contract is up for renewal. It is a 3-yr contract for vendor booth setup/takedown. BOD agrees that we should renew the contract given good service/history. This is 2009-2011 contract.

Nicki reported on review of evaluations from the conference: Attendees loved emergency preparedness program, loved the info that they could take back and apply, love the fact that most talks are available on the website. Nicki to send evaluations to Spokane for review for 2009 conference ideas.

2) Garth Arkell, Earl Moore, Eric Anderson, Dennis Archer – planning for 2009 conference in Spokane April 26- 28, 2009

Progress notes distributed for planning so far. Planning is on schedule; still have some openings for General Session and breakouts. Garth and Dee will be at AARC Congress in December looking for speakers as well as sponsors. Sunday meeting begins at noon. Annual business meeting will be a plated breakfast meeting Tuesday morning. Lori Stevens and John Salyer to work on Sputum Bowl organization. Encourage depts to field a team.

3) Need for Program Chair for 2010 conference- Bob Bonner has been program chair for long time, will serve as advisor. Carl Hinkson to work on finding program chair/co-chair for 2010. Important to start the planning as early as possible.

Elections: Donavan Knight - 2009 Election results

136 ballots returned, 126 chapter ballots returned, 16 of those invalid.

President – Carl Hinkson

V Pres – Earl Moore

Secretary – Lisa Bennett (2^nd of 2-yr term)

Treasurer – Steve Andersen (2^nd of 2-yr term)

BOD terms to expire 2012: Celeste Stubbs, Garth Arkell

Cascade Chapter President – Ty Suave

Central Chapter President – Tom Utigard

Rainier Chapter President – Jackie Ray

Puget Sound Chapter President – Jon Jahns

Eastern Chapter President – Denny Duncan

Motion: to accept results of election – Approved

Motion: to destroy ballots – Approved

Membership: Dennis Bing (for Celeste Stubbs)- slump this year, reflect on our efforts? Call for volunteers & ideas! Discussed some hospitals have tuition paid by the hospital, some have direct payroll deduction which helps, ramification of union membership and dedicated CEU monies, AARC discount coupons. If money needed in budget for membership activities, submit proposed needs to Dennis Archer for 2009 budget.

Strategic planning: Dennis Archer- Disaster planning; strong program at 2008 conference. Further planning and organization to come.

4-yr degree program –Carl Hinkson met with UWT. Starting BA in Healthcare Leadership fall 2009 and would like to see Respiratory Therapists participate. RCSW would need to provide a letter of endorsement – Dennis Bing will work on this (Carl to provide content details), and eventually a roundtable discussion with directors of departments and prospective students. Dennis Archer suggests we provide the white paper from AARC “Development of Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees in Respiratory Care” and AARC Position Statement “Respiratory Therapist Education” as supporting documentation. UWT is working on development of a BSN which would help start BSRC development.

Transition meeting; Q4 2008 & Q1 2009 BOD – Dennis – planning Jan 24^th or 30^th, one day, with Eastern attendees flying, if convenient.

Chapter Affairs: Dennis Criswell – absent, no report

Chapter Presidents reports:

Earl Moore – Eastern Chapter – Regular ongoing CEU’s provided by vendors for staff. Now focusing on organization of 2009 conference. Next year emphasize membership growth.

Jon Jahns – Puget Sound Chapter- absent, no report

Ty Sauve – Cascade Chapter- absent, no report

Jackie Ray – Mt Rainier Chapter – 4^th Annual Respiratory Care conference at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Sunday Nov 2^nd with 34 attended. Will focus on growing membership next.

John Nee – Central Chapter, absent, no report

Scholarship/ continuing education: Dennis Archer

Scholarships – Garth Arkell presented scholarship program info. Drawn-up by Dennis and fine tuned by Garth. Plan to get to schools before the Christmas break and expect papers by Mar 13^th, 2009. Continuing Education: Practitioner recognition draft proposal included, with nominations from RCSW membership. Hope to finalize and implement by 2009 or 2010.

Webmaster: Terry Smith – Access is up, 1.1M requests this year. Terry reminded everyone to use the Job site as an economical job posting. Would like to make the job site self-sustaining. American Thoracic Society loves our Website….thank you Terry.

Public Awareness: Dennis Bing: AARC Times Military Recognition- Gary Lynch (formerly of AZ, now at Good Sam in Moses Lake) on the list in AARC times and posted as well on website (Military Recognition)

New business

Motions entertained:

Bonner11.07.08_1- In interest of time, motion withdrawn to be presented at transition meeting.

Bing11.07.08_2 Require two signatures on checks when the amount is $1K or more. The bank should be able to accommodate this action. We already have two signatures on the Cash Exchange Record. Motion carried.

AARC contract renewal – Affiliate contract received to renew. AARC states no changes. Dennis Bing will review, if there are changes, will talk to AARC.

AARC Quality Recognition program- Dennis Bing recognized this AARC award, Gary Wickman and Terry Smith have already gotten this award for their depts. Dennis encourages all depts to apply for this to heighten awareness of RT. Dennis Bing will email RCSW BOD the URL for this program/application. Pass on to other hospitals.

Free & Clear- Informational, for resources, posted on RCSW website as link.

1) notice of change in Medicare coverage – Tobacco Quit Line, Medicare and Medicaid now covering more smoking cessation tools for smokers. Link on RCSW website.

2) (Mona Duprey) survey of RCPs for training & technical assistance needs for Tobacco Prevention and Control Program- a plan for assessment – when this survey is available, Mona will send to Dennis Bing who will make it available to BOD members. Active members share with others X10 in order to get some survey response regarding assessment of tools/education needed by RTs for smoking prevention and control. Surveys can be returned to Dennis Bing.

What is up with the ALA? Suggest contacting John Basile to find out what is happening. ALA has pulled it’s name and resources from this area which is what Washington ATS used for their yearly conference.

Adjourned at 17:00

Respectfully submitted: Lisa Bennett, Secretary

Board of Director’s Meeting

April 27, 2008

The Doubletree @ Seatac, WA

Call to Order: 15:40 Dennis Bing

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Bing

President Elect – Dennis Archer

Past President – Dennis Criswell

Vice President - Celeste Stubbs

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate – Eric Anderson

Delegate - Gary Wickman

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Greg Carter BOD 2008

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Earl Moore, President, Eastern Chapter

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Jackie Ray, President, Rainier Chapter

Absent:

Sharon Linquist – BOD 2010

Carolyn Benner BOD 2010

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Jon Nee, President Central Chapter

Non-voting Members:

Donald Howard, M.D. Co- Medical Advisor - present

Bob Bonner, Program Director- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- present

Bill Nehring, Program committee – reg online- present

Paula Nehring, Ad hoc committee member - present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program - present

Garth Arkell, Ad hoc committee member - present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-absent

Guests:

Nick Frederici – WA state lobbyist

Frank Salvatore – AARC lobbyist

Marianne Shaw – Disaster Preparedness CA Soc RC

Dennis welcomed our Co-Medical Advisor, Dr. Don Howard.

Dr. Howard related his background, activities, medical directorship at Sacred Heart Med Center, and commitment to being associated with the RCSW.

Disaster Preparedness – Dennis Bing introduced guest Marrianne Shaw who is the disaster preparedness chairman for the California Respiratory Care Society. Marianne explained how she got involved with disaster preparedness through a personal interest, proceeding to get a Master’s degree in Disaster. Our Tuesday conference agenda is full of disaster preparedness talks where Marianne will give us more information. She states that Federal, state and local disaster planning is sadly lacking in RT representation, but that she has made inroads in California, and more RTs are forging ahead nationwide to change this. She encourages each hospital to develop the necessary infrastructure through their ethics committee and administration, before the disaster occurs.

Legislative:

Frank Salvatore, Chairman AARC Govt Affairs Committee and Speaker HOD – Frank describes increasing sponsorship for the Medicare Part B House H3968 and Senate S2704 bills happening and still more needed. Encouraged a grassroots movement to mobilize the membership to write to their Congressional representatives to support this legislation; utilize “Capital Connection”, Terry has a quick access on the RCSW site, as well as “Write Now” at AARC. Suggested Chapter presidents to contact membership, use emails. Reach patients through “Better Breathers’ Clubs” to get letters from patients on the issues.

Earl Moore rec’d phone call from Cathy McMorris Rodgers wanting to talk about the health care issues. Also, Dave Reichert promised to sponsor the Pulm Rehab bill, but as of today, he has yet to do that. Need his constituents to write letters to him. Earl encourages people to get acquainted with their legislators.

Nick Frederici, last legislative session, not a lot happened. Some of this was due to the economic downturn with a budget shortfall near the end of the session. Due to the disasterous flooding in SW WA, funds were spent on disaster rather than health care. Some changes are coming in the Health Care licensing process & disciplinary standards for many of the professional organizations including Respiratory.

· Passed HB1106 requiring hospitals to report hospital acquired infections beginning July 08 with VAP. Central line infections and surgical site infections reporting coming in 2009.

· Supt of public instruction enacted anaphylaxis program in schools

· Medicaid coverage for smoking cessation

· Coming in 2009……mandate for self-extinguishing cigarettes.

· “New” commission on health care to standardize insurance benefit plans. A “Blue Ribbon” citizen’s work group to have public hearings.

· Asthma pilot project in King County, citizens work group, now town hall meetings around the state, encourages RTs to get involved.

Gary Wickman – DOH meeting in Feb, talked to Bob Nicoloff and Asst Attorneys General about interpretive statements for our licensure bill, specifically on ECMO.

Treasurer’s Report: Steve Andersen reports we have $66K on hand, this is a time of money coming in, but still have major outgo for the conference. 2007 had income of $99K and Expenses of $131.6K so we were successful in “giving back to the membership” which was our goal. We did purchase a much needed new computer for the website which also helped with reg-online.

Chapter Affairs - Dennis Criswell no activity to report. Expect to visit the chapters through the summer.

Membership- Dennis Bing announced membership has reached 1008 in state, encouraged us to maintain the momentum. Look for an aggressive membership drive in the fall. Terry Smith has had membership pay incentive for his staff. This has been successful for 100% membership in his dept.

Strategic Planning-Dennis Archer – two objectives, Disaster preparedness at the state level and development of Bachelor’s Program in the state. Greg Carter is having conversation with TCC regarding the Bachelor’s program.

Finance- Dennis Bing

Planning an external audit for the protection of the society and the officers. Recommended by AARC. Doesn’t have to be a certified audit. Steve will pursue.
Review our check signing procedures. Consider setting certain $ amount minimum that would require two signatures.
Complete our application for incorporation as a 501(C)(6) which is a trade association. This is more appropriate for us.
AARC recommends that we have a $10-15K cushion for our financial situation, but no more. After the expenses of the conference are cleared, we will look at our status.

Dennis would like to develop job descriptions for officers. Celeste believes there are already job descriptions and will research this. We would like to revise them, if that is the case.

Nominations/Elections – Donavan and Thomasa are planning for early ballot, voting, possibly completed by Sept 1. Hoping to have time for newly elected officers to buddy-up with the predecessor to get some orientation to the position before assuming office.

Scholarship/Education – Dennis Archer announced that 10 papers were submitted for the scholarships. The top three papers were just 6 points apart. The scholarship committee will award two $1500 scholarships to 1^st and 2^nd place and will award $500 to the third place student using money returned by speaker Bud Spearman and an anonymous donation. Each of the four respiratory schools will receive $250.

Celeste Stubbs was recognized for her dedication and commitment for some 10 years to the International Fellowship program. She has agreed to do this again this year. She would like to mentor a protégé to carry on this program. Contact Celeste or Dennis Archer if you are interested or know someone who is. AARC pays the hotel for the fellow to stay, so there is minimal effort involved in this valuable program.

Webmaster – Terry thanked the board for the new computer. He had much work to do to upgrade and fix the problems with the new computer, but he enjoyed the challenge. Again, Terry was recognized for the work, time and dedication he spends on the website which has now been recognized by the ATS for it’s quality. Terry is exploring options for web-based meetings for board/officers. Dr. Howard suggested considering hospital based teleconferences as an option.

Public Awareness – nothing to report

Program – Bob Bonner – Provided stats from four years’ meetings in Seattle area. Registration, room pickup #s and expense and revenue comparisons. This year, expect to save about $18K on the conference due to some discounts and revenues, and overall changes in expenditures. (Coffee is now $67/gallon.)

Reg on-line has improved much this year thanks to Bill Nehring’s dedicated work. Reg on-line has info on members/non-members and those interested in participating in RCSW.

Bylaws – nothing to report.

Chapter President’s Report

Cascade Chapter – Scott Mahoney for Ty, future events are being planned for Cascade.

Puget Sound Chapter – John Jahns APRV CEU lecture in conjunction with chapter meeting May 14. APRV at 3pm, meeting at 4pm and APRV again at 5pm, food and drinks provided.

Rainier Chapter- Jackie Ray has flyer to post at the meeting stating that she will come to the depts. to have a meeting, free CEUs, hopes to have a Sept conference in conjunction with Vancouver area, working with Carol Benner.-

Central Chapter –John Nee absent, no report.

Eastern Chapter – Earl Moore getting ready for next year’s conference. Tentatively scheduled for April 24-28.

Old Business

Status of WA incorporation – Due to paperwork failure, our incorporation application is not complete. Dennis and Steve are resubmitting our application. Our Tax ID stays the same, Steve will be the registered agent, and we will have a single address for IRS purposes, currently Steve’s address. Steve will obtain a safe-deposit box.

Student Representation on BOD- nothing has been developed at this time, but there are still plans to include students on the board as non-voting members. Goal is to get the student perspective on issues and to introduce the students to the leadership at the state level, expecting the students to share the information with their fellow students. Need to bring new people into the RCSW to carry on.

· Each teacher bring or invite

· Invite president of the student clubs of each school

New Business

Email from Pat Lee at AARC –if we have an event published through AARC, they will email to the membership of WA state. President has to submit the event, and Pat Lee sends out the email.

Meeting adjourned at 20:00 (included a break for dinner)

Board of Director’s Meeting 11/17/2007

Call to Order: 14:00 Dennis Bing

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Bing

President Elect – Dennis Archer

Past President – Dennis Criswell

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Jr Delegate – Eric Anderson

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Earl Moore, President, Eastern Chapter

Jackie Ray, President, Rainier Chapter

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Carol Benner BOD 2010

Excused:

Celeste Stubbs - Vice President

Gary Wickman - Sr. Delegate

Jon Johns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Greg Carter BOD 2008

Sharon Linquist – BOD 2010

Non-voting Members:

Bob Bonner, Program Director- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- excused

Bill Nehring, Program committee – reg online- present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-excused

Dr. Donald Howard, Co- Medical Advisor-excused

Chapter Affairs- Dennis Criswell is here to help chapter presidents and speak to membership. Planning to visit every chapter at least once and spend most of the time in and on the Central chapter which is currently inactive. Dennis Bing is willing to join in visiting chapters, consider including Gary Wickman &/or Earl Moore.

Central Chapter presidency is currently vacant, no candidates. The two write-in candidates were not AARC members, therefore ineligible. John Nee would be good appointee if he accepts. Dennis C. and Dennis B. will be in contact with John.

Legislative – Carl Hinkson spoke to Gary. There is no further information on Nick Frederici, our lobbyist who has been suspended. Carl will work on all issues. PAC meeting was attended by Earl, Gary and Carl. Plan to meet with DOH in early 2008.

Membership- Earl Moore discussed how membership is really a professional responsibility. In the past, we have had split committee chairs between East and West with Bill Nehring doing Alternate Sites. Consider Scott Alberts as one who might champion the alternate sites.

Strategic Planning-Dennis Archer addressed finding specific topics, target areas of need and finding people to take responsibility for spearheading.

· Disaster preparedness coordinator. Executive committee to create an Ad Hoc committee; Dennis Archer, Thomasa and Paula Nehring.

· Education – working toward developing a bachelor’s program in WA state. Seed money for developing. Involve educators of the state. Incorporate RCSW members. Call for RFP(request for proposal). If we have the intent, find someone to make this their project. Greg Carter is interested, Dennis Archer is aware of activity toward this. Agree to form an Ad Hoc committee consisting of the educators and a board member by the end of the year. Need interim report by the April RCSW state meeting.

BOD meeting at the State Meeting consider Apr 26^th, Saturday somewhere off the hotel campus, a banquet room about 3pm.

Finance- Nicki completed term as finance chairman, Deb Jones now finance chair. Steve is not bonded and the bylaws require that the treasurer be bonded. Get Steve bonded and review the financial books, planned audit.

Nominations/Elections – Donovan and Thomasa are on it, welcome nominations.

Scholarship/Education – Dennis Archer has a system setup and is interesting in mentoring someone. Garth Arkell is co-chair.

Webmaster – Terry is excused. Chris Teagarten @ Harborview consider for mentoring with Terry, working on electronic voting.

Public Awareness – this is huge. Dennis Bing spoke to DOH Stop Smoking Campaign. Consider hiring professional marketing . Niki knows PR firm that brings mentors that choose a project to present to the PR firm. Committee of Scott Mahoney, Dee Arkell, Bob Bonner, Bill Nehring, Eric, Nicki, Scott Alberts and Celeste.

Program – Bob Bonner suggests that we explore the Tacoma convention center for 3 years from now. For 2008, SeaTac Doubletree Apr 27,28,29.

Program is deficit spending now. Way to help- ATTENDANCE! We get more value for our dollars with more people attending, and more people get education to meet their needs, a win-win. Considering Peds & Pulmonary Dx section, talking to Ralph Stumboe, Kitty. Continue with Sputum Bowl. Need Publicity. Invite CEOs of hospitals and Deans of CC. Also include EMTs and firefighters. Pay AARC annual dues for Med directors.

Bylaws – nothing to report.

Student Representation on BOD- Bob Bonner will contact each of the schools to have them send names of internally selected students. The student will be a non-voting member. Suggestions:

· Each teacher bring or invite

· 2^nd year student from each school

· Invite president of the student clubs of each school

· Consider PIMA participation

Budget- take budget info presented today, look at resources and items and present budget proposals electronically by early 2008.

New Business

Interviews for job applicants, managers encouraged to ask about AARC membership. Member of NBRC, AARC shows commitment to profession.

Old Business

At the regional conference consider doing something for Mike Sipes. Contact AARC Times to let them know.(didn’t write who would do this)

Ty will develop the criteria and a plaque to honor outstanding therapists we have lost.

Meeting adjourned at 14:55

Board of Director’s Meeting 11/17/2007

Ellensburg, WA

Call to Order: 14:00 Dennis Bing

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Bing

President Elect – Dennis Archer

Past President – Dennis Criswell

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate – Eric Anderson

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Earl Moore, President, Eastern Chapter

Jackie Ray, President, Rainier Chapter

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Carolyn Benner BOD 2010

Absent:

Celeste Stubbs - Vice President

Gary Wickman - Delegate

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Greg Carter BOD 2008

Sharon Linquist – BOD 2010

Non-voting Members:

Bob Bonner, Program Director- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- absent

Bill Nehring, Program committee – reg online- present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-absent

Dr. Donald Howard, Co- Medical Advisor-absent

Strategic Planning-Dennis Archer addressed finding specific topics, target areas of need and finding people to take responsibility for spearheading.

· Disaster preparedness coordinator. Executive committee to create an Ad Hoc committee; Dennis Archer, Thomasa and Paula Nehring.

BOD meeting at the State Meeting consider Apr 26^th, Saturday somewhere off the hotel campus, a banquet room about 3pm.

Nominations/Elections – Donavan and Thomasa are on it, welcome nominations.

Scholarship/Education – Dennis Archer has a system setup and is interesting in mentoring someone. Garth Arkell is co-chair.

Webmaster – Terry is excused. Chris Teagarten @ Harborview consider for mentoring with Terry, working on electronic voting.

Program – Bob Bonner suggests that we explore the Tacoma convention center for 3 years from now. For 2008, SeaTac Doubletree Apr 27,28,29.

Bylaws – nothing to report.

Student Representation on BOD- Bob Bonner will contact each of the schools to have them send names of internally selected students. The student will be a non-voting member. Suggestions:

· Each teacher bring or invite

· 2^nd year student from each school

· Invite president of the student clubs of each school

· Consider PIMA participation

Budget- take budget info presented today, look at resources and items and present budget proposals electronically by early 2008.

New Business

Interviews for job applicants, managers encouraged to ask about AARC membership. Member of NBRC, AARC shows commitment to profession.

Old Business

At the regional conference consider doing something for Mike Sipes. Contact AARC Times to let them know.(didn’t write who would do this)

Ty will develop the criteria and a plaque to honor outstanding therapists we have lost.

Meeting adjourned at 14:55

November 16, 2007

Ellensburg, WA

Board of Director’s Meeting

Call to Order: 16:00 Dennis Criswell

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Criswell

President Elect - Dennis Bing

Vice President – Carl Hinkson

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate- Bob Bonner

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Garth Arkell, President, Eastern Chapter

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Nicki Bly, BOD 2007

Greg Carter, BOD 2008

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Absent:

Scott Alberts Immediate Past President

Gary Wickman - Delegate

Celeste Stubbs, BOD 2007

Tom Utigard, President, Central Chapter

Judy Hampton, President, Rainier Chapter

Non-voting Members:

Dennis Archer , Scholarship/Education- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- absent

Bill Nehring, Program committee – online registration- present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-absent

Dr. Donald Howard, Co- Medical Advisor-absent

Eric Anderson, Chair, Vendor Relations - present

Silent Reading of the Minutes All

The minutes of the BOD Meeting, 4/29/07, were read silently and approved with corrections: MOTION: Offer to wave tuition/registration to RCSW sponsored events for those board members and chairs of committees in good standing i.e.75% attendance at BOD meetings, ~~who work on the event.~~ Motion was approved.

Treasurer Report: Steve Andersen

Third quarter report shows a negative $26,600 cash flow. We budgeted a negative $12K with the commitment to put more money back into the member services. Under Income/expense report, we have not received 3^rd and 4^th quarter membership payments from AARC. Anticipate that payment before year-end. Still figuring the reg-online transactions, Bill Nehring to help Steve with this. Honorarium from JCAHO for speaker at state meeting was returned, not accepting payment for speakers. One outstanding check from 2006. Lisa will ask the payee and report to Steve.

Current account balance is $16,969 and expecting to renew the CD in February 2008 when it comes due.

Steve reviewed the reimbursement process. See Steve for the form to present for reimbursement. Year-end report will be emailed to the BOD within 30 days of close of quarter.

Thanks again to Steve, from the BOD, for his detailed reports, and hard work to get the books caught up and accurate. He has done an awesome this past year and deserves much appreciation.

Chapter President Reports:

Cascade-Ty Sauve Contact information was collected successfully on therapists working in the chapter. “Healthy Lung Day” included pulmonary function testing, exhibits from vendors and 1:1 smoking cessation counseling. Would like to see more therapists in the chapter involved, carryover some of the goals from this year and get some different educational topics to include in future educational conferences.

Puget Sound-Jon Jahns Annual Peds conference was tied in with state conference. With help of John Salyer and Judy Hampton it was successful. Were able to bring in speakers maybe because it was tied to the state meeting, so that worked well. Will have Highline/Harborview critical care conference again, Feb 23, 2008. Expect to bring the asthma educator course to the area 2008.

Central-Tom Utigard absent, no report.

Rainier-Judy Hampton absent, no report.

Eastern-Garth Arkell fairly quiet, co-sponsored 5 or 6 events, with Sacred Heart, lectures which was no cost to the chapter, a good deal. Fully supported the state conference and will move forward in 2008.

Committee Reports:

Chapter Affairs-Scott Alberts absent, no report

Finance-Nicki Bly – discussion last meeting about a mailbox at a neutral location. There is a cost to forward mail and there is no control over junk mail so may not be wise use of $$. Steve Andersen agreed to have the mail sent to his home and will have his address on the 2007 tax return. Dennis C. will put that info in the annual incorporation report to the state.

Legislative- Carl Hinkson- WA state lobbyist Nick Frederici has been censured for a year, so we may have to find some other lobbyist. Ask Gary Wickman what his recommendations would be.

No meeting with DOH since state meeting in May due to schedule conflicts, mostly. Expect a meeting early 2008.

Washington, D.C.

*Part B Medicare allowing RCPs with bachelor’s degrees to work at alternate sites-home, doctor’s offices, clinics, under general supervision similar to P.T.s, P.A.s and ARNPs. Our communication on the Capitol Connection after the state meeting put us at #5 with the AARC for contacting our legislators. HR 3968 introduced by Mike Ross of Arkansas, no Senate bill yet, keep contacting legislators to support/co-sponsor this issue.

*Pulmonary Rehab bill HR 552 conference committee, no update yet.

*O2 protection act to repeal medicare reimbursement limitation causing patients to buy and maintain their own oxygen equipement HR621 and S1484 currently in limbo. Continue to contact congress men and women.

Delegate-Bob Bonner-House of Delegates report - Bob reports three resolutions sent around prior to the upcoming Nov meeting meeting. Resolutions discussed, Bob tends to favor all three but reminds the board that resolutions proposed may or may not be implemented by the AARC executive committee.

Bob reports that after seeing the process for last 4 years, Toni continues to do great things as AARC president, D.C. lobbyist is doing great things and AARC is doing the right things for our profession, especially in Washington, D.C.

Still discrepancy between # active WA members and the designated (by AARC) number of HOD votes attributed to WA. Dennis B. and Bob will compare numbers and follow up asking AARC why there is a difference.

Communications/Web Master -Terry Smith Terry excused but reported to Dennis Bing who shared Terry’s report. Many stats regarding the website. Recognition and respects paid to Mike Sypes who passed away suddenly this year. Mike was the pioneer of the website in 1991, mentored Terry to making it what it is today and mentored many others. Mike will be missed by the RCSW/respiratory community.

Note the link to the “60 minutes” Forest Bird segment.

Thanks for the new computer which has made his job easier. The board thanks Terry for his dedication to this website which is recognized by AARC as one of the best.

Brainhunter activity has increased and the revenue is helping toward the expenses of the website. Terry thanks all the HR depts that are using Brainhunter. Continue to encourage your HR depts.

Please report broken links by copying, pasting and emailing to RCSW webmaster. Please submit updated contact list of officers to be posted on the website by Jan 2008.

Bylaws-Lisa Bennett- nothing to report

Scholarship/Continuing Education- Dennis Archer-reports there were 13 student papers submitted for scholarship consideration. Two $1500 scholarships were awarded, 4 scholarships of $250 given to each of the RT schools. Thanks to the scholarship committee for reviewing the papers. The scholarship committee consists of Chapter presidents, Vice President and committee chairman.

Still a goal to recognize a practitioner in the RCP community. Will work on this project 2008.

Membership-Steve Andersen- the discounted membership coupons we had left were basically given away for lack of viable candidates. Dennis Bing reported on membership stats, that we increased by 11% for 2007. Pie chart for distribution of membership, seems to be a factor of where people are moving and the Cascade membership drive had an impact. Currently we are at approx 40% of our total RCPs.

Strategic Planning-Dennis Bing- defer to tomorrow meeting.

Nominations/Elections- Donavan Knight/Thomasa McCowan- Elections crunch at end . Starting earlier this year, welcome any nominations even NOW. Apologies to Carl Hinkson, who was nominated but missed on the ballot. On-line voting is not yet ready through AARC, consider something through the RCSW website. Dennis B. will contact Terry for possibilities. Thanks from the BOD to the elections committee. This is a thankless task, but necessary and much appreciated. Election results are final.

MOTION: to destroy ballots, approved.

Public Awareness-Scott Alberts- absent, no report.

Annual Program - Bob Bonner - Many thanks to the 2007 meeting committee. Successful, well-attended meeting. Loss of $6K due to many different elements this year. Comments were overall positive and indications are that people will return. Quality of the speakers and the facility top. No fundamental changes to make, can tweak some things to decrease spending approx $5K. Bob provided breakdown of stats of attendance and fees over several years.

Vendor Relations-Eric Anderson-vendors all enjoyed the facility, food. Discussed the 3-day vendor arrangement. Jon Jahns reported the vendors spoke highly of the meeting and support the three days.

Old Business: None

New Business: None

BOD meeting adjourned at 18:15

RCSW Annual Business meeting

April 29, 2007

Seattle, WA Doubletree Convention Center RCSW Conference

Call to Order: 17:10 Dennis Criswell

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Criswell

President Elect - Dennis Bing

Vice President – Carl Hinkson

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate Gary Wickman

Alternate Delegate Bob Bonner

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Garth Arkell, President, Eastern Chapter

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Tom Utigard, President, Central Chapter

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Celeste Stubbs, BOD 2007

Nicki Bly, BOD 2007

Greg Carter, BOD 2008

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Excused:

Scott Alberts Immediate Past President

Judy Hampton, President, Rainier Chapter

Non-voting Members:

Dennis Archer , Scholarship/Education- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- present

Bill Nehring, Program committee – online registration- present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Medical Advisor-excused

Dr. Donald Howard, Co- Medical Advisor-excused

Eric Anderson, Chair, Vendor Relations -excused

Recognition: Dennis Criswell

Dennis read the names of those that worked so hard to present this outstanding conference.

Much appreciation for the hard work put forth.

Scholarship/Education Dennis Archer

Announced winners of the scholarships for 2007. Brandon Staub of Spokane Community College and Michele Peticone of Highline Community College each received $1500 scholarship. There were 13 papers submitted, representing all four of the RT programs. Each of the four RT schools also receive $250 scholarship.

The BOD would like to add a Respiratory student ad hoc on the BOD, as a non-voting member both for representation and as part of a mentoring process to bring new and younger members into the leadership. Mentoring is a topic that Dr. Toni Rodriguez is passionate about and RCSW will be talking about how to build a mentoring program beginning at the student level.

Treasurer Report: Steve Andersen

Year end 2006: Income $76K/Expense $79K with a bottom line of a minus $2927. Included in the expenses for 2006 was $7000 for the purchase of discount memberships meant to support new and renewing memberships. These discount memberships are still available and are selling throughout the conference. Beginning balance 2007 $43,637. We also have a $10,454 CD in reserve.

Chapter President Reports:

Cascade-Ty Sauve Plan mini-conference July/Aug. Charity event in conjunction with Cascade Chapter is pending. Collecting contact info for hospitals in chapter, planning to produce pre-printed cards for each working therapist to solicit contact info, suggested education topics, membership info/candidates. Would like to have a membership drive.

Puget Sound-Jon Jahns February 3^rd held 2^nd annual Critical Care conference with Harborview and community college was successful. Peds conference was tied in with state conference. Hope to have a manager’s 1-day conference, focusing on leadership and working toward bringing Asthma Certification course to the PNW.

Central-Tom Utigard WA Thoracic Society holds it’s annual meeting in the Central Chapter and RT members help with that every year. Also, alliance with ALA, hold CW Chapter events in conjunction. Dennis and Tom will go “on the road” within the chapter to inspire activity and communicate information. They would like to boost membership and involvement within the chapter which covers a wide geographical area.

Rainier-Judy Hampton absent, no report.

Eastern-Garth Arkell will have a May seminar and sponsoring NPS certification course w/Kettering June 18 & 19. Considering a leadership seminar mid-Sept. Plan to revive website.

Committee Reports:

Chapter Affairs-Scott Alberts absent, no report

Finance-Nicki Bly –permanent post office box will be setup with mail forwarded to current treasurer.

Legislative- Gary Wickman/Carl Hinkson- Lobbyist Nick Frederici presented synopsis of the Washington State 2007 legislative session prior to the BOD meeting. Gary encouraged people to sign up for the work groups that are being formed based on the legislature’s actions. Gary and Carl reported on PACT visit to Washington, D.C. in March. RCSW booth will have computers to access Capital Connection so that RCSW meeting attendees can write letters to congress, especially about home oxygen equipment coverage, Pulmonary Rehab reimbursement, and upcoming legislation on Part B Medicare allowing RCPs with bachelor’s degrees to work at alternate sites-home, doctor’s offices, clinics, under general supervision similar to P.T.s, P.A.s and ARNPs. There will be a drawing for a free ipod at the RCSW site for those who write letters.

Communications/Web Master -Terry Smith reports moving website hosting service to more space and bandwidth for less expense. There have been over 176K page hits in the last 10 months, 26K of those in the last 6 days. Toni Rodriguez, AARC president, noted that the website was outstanding. AARC management specialty section referred to RCSW website exemplary for Powerpoint presentations from RCSW conference presentations. The Power Point presentations from this meeting will be posted on the site. Remember to utilize the Brain Hunter site to post jobs or to seek employment. Please report broken links by copying, pasting and emailing to RCSW webmaster.

Membership-Steve Andersen-AARC membership coupons, 75 available. Will have at RCSW booth, $35 for new members, $70 for renewal.

Strategic Planning-Dennis Bing-

1. Interact w/AARC as we have with Dr. Toni Rodriguez today.

2. Interact with Washington State government through licensure board and legislation to protect our profession.

3. Interact with like-interest groups like Lung Assoc of WA and others, increase our activity and assign person to each group. Sponsor walker/hospital in the Asthma Walks.

4. Interact with members through communication and mentoring. BOD suggested an RC student member Ad Hoc on BOD.

5. Interact with general public- spirometry at fairs, get DVD “What it means to be an RT” to high school counselors

Nominations/Elections- Donavan Knight/Thomasa McCowan-Positions needed for 2008 are: Pres Elect, Vice President, Delegate, 2 BOD, all 5 chapter presidents. Soliciting nominations, volunteers through forms/boxes at conference and from Reg-online. Goal is October 15^th to have ballot done, voting tabulated and the results distributed.

Public Awareness-Scott Alberts- absent, no report. It was noted that public service announcements were played for the community throughout the conference.

Vendor Relations-Eric Anderson-not present, working with the vendors at this time.

Annual Program Bob Bonner

Next year the Conference will be held somewhere in Seattle again, so start saving money and time to come back next year.

Business meeting adjourned at 17:40

April 28, 2007

Seattle, WA Doubletree Convention Center

Legislative Workshop………Gary Wickman/Carl Hinkson

Presentation by Toni Rodriguez, AARC President

Nick Frederici – WA state lobbyist for RCSW

Board of Director’s Meeting

Call to Order: 19:45 Dennis Criswell

Roll Call: Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present

Present:

President Dennis Criswell

President Elect - Dennis Bing

Vice President – Carl Hinkson

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Delegate- Gary Wickman

Alternate Delegate- Bob Bonner

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Garth Arkell, President, Eastern Chapter

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Scott Mahoney BOD 2009

Thomasa McCown BOD 2009

Celeste Stubbs, BOD 2007

Nicki Bly, BOD 2007

Greg Carter, BOD 2008

Donavan Knight, BOD 2008

Absent:

Scott Alberts Immediate Past President

Tom Utigard, President, Central Chapter

Judy Hampton, President, Rainier Chapter

Non-voting Members:

Dennis Archer , Scholarship/Education- present

Terry Smith, Webmaster- present

Bill Nehring, Program committee – online registration- present

Dee Arkell, Co-chair, Annual Program present

Dr. Josh Benditt, Co-Medical Advisor-absent

Dr. Donald Howard, Co- Medical Advisor- absent

Eric Anderson, Chair, Vendor Relations - absent

Silent Reading of the Minutes 2/18/07: All

The minutes of the BOD Meeting, 2/18/07, were read silently and approved.

Treasurer Report: Steve Andersen

Income/expense reports distributed. Year-end 2006 minus $2927. Beginning balance 2007 $43,637. Steve answered questions, clarified entries. Steve requests more info on activity on checking account. Bill Nehring will provide that info. Steve requests audit overview of the accounting. The budget/audit committee can appoint someone, not necessarily a paid professional, but gifted/trained in accounting to review the bookkeeping: Consider Bank of America services as available.

Thanks to Steve, from the BOD, for his detailed reports, and hard work to get the books caught up and accurate.

Chapter President Reports:

Puget Sound-Jon Jahns February held 2^nd annual Critical Care conference with Harborview and community college was successful. Peds conference was tied in with state conference. Hope to have a manager’s 1-day conference, focusing on leadership and working toward bringing Asthma Certification course to the PNW.

Central-Tom Utigard Dennis Criswell reported for Tom, who was excused, that Dennis and Tom will go “on the road” within the chapter to inspire activity and communicate information. The chapter covers a wide geographical area.

Rainier-Judy Hampton absent, no report.

Eastern-Garth Arkell will have a May seminar and sponsoring NPS certification course w/Kettering June 18 & 19. Considering a leadership seminar mid-Sept.

Committee Reports:

Chapter Affairs-Scott Alberts absent, no report

Finance-Nicki Bly –permanent post office box will be setup with mail forwarded to current treasurer. Cost is about $100/yr. Also discussed the CD being reinvested for 7 years when it comes due in Feb. 2008.

BOD thanked Gary and Karl for bringing Nick and presenting the “state of the legislation for WA state”. The session was informative and helpful.

Delegate-Bob Bonner/Gary Wickman- Bob reports that there have not been resolutions sent around prior to the July meeting. Current HOD issue is “best practice” that will be discussed next meeting. Bob states there is a good relationship between HOD, BOD and AARC leadership.

Communications/Web Master -Terry Smith reports moving website hosting service to more space and bandwidth for less expense. There have been over 176K page hits in the last 10 months, 26K of those in the last 6 days. (Webmaster access was 4518 of those hits). Toni Rodriguez, AARC president, noted that the website was outstanding. AARC management specialty section referred to RCSW website exemplary for Powerpoint presentations from RCSW conference presentations. Brainhunter income was $875 for 2006, we are growing in the job postings. Terry requested updated information, specifically 2007 officer contact info in Excel format. Dennis Criswell has that and will forward it to Terry and all BOD members. Please report broken links by copying, pasting and emailing to RCSW webmaster.

Bylaws-Lisa Bennett- nothing to report

Scholarship/Education- Dennis Archer-reports there were 13 student papers submitted for scholarship consideration. Dennis is still compiling reviews to determine scholarship winners. All four RT schools in the state were represented. Two $1500 scholarships will be awarded tomorrow and the RCSW business meeting. In addition 4 scholarships of $250 each will be given to each of the RT schools.

Membership-Steve Andersen-AARC membership coupons, 75 available. Will have at RCSW booth, $35 for new members, $70 for renewal. Bill Nehring will print a report from Reg On-line of those who indicated that they wanted to join. Steve reminded us that the chapter presidents are part of the membership committee to promote membership. Dennis C. and Tom U. would like to take some of the coupons when they go “on the road” to visit hospitals in the Central chapter.

Strategic Planning-Dennis Bing-

1. Interact w/AARC as we have with Dr. Toni Rodriguez today.

2. Interact with like-interest groups like Lung Assoc of WA and others, increase our activity and assign person to each group. Sponsor walker/hospital in the Asthma Walks.

3. Interact with members through communication and mentoring. BOD suggested an RC student member Ad Hoc on BOD.

4. Interact with general public- spirometry at fairs, get DVD “What it means to be an RT” to high school counselors

Nominations/Elections- Donavan Knight/Thomasa McCowan-Positions needed for 2008 are: Pres Elect, Vice President, Delegate, 2 BOD, all 5 chapter presidents. Soliciting nominations, volunteers through forms/boxes at conference and from Reg-online. On-line voting is not yet ready through AARC, so this year will still be mail ballots. Goal is October 15^th to have ballot done, voting tabulated and the results distributed.

Public Awareness-Scott Alberts- absent, no report. It was noted that public service announcements were played for the community throughout the conference.

Vendor Relations-Eric Anderson-not present, working with the vendors at this time.

Old Business:

Meeting Dates-Dennis Criswell-Teleconference July 19 or Aug 2, TBA. Suggestion to consider Webex. Consensus is that teleconference is better than Webex.

2007 Operating Budget (handout)-Dennis Criswell-Income/Expenses budgeted for a $12K loss similar to 2006 budget year which ended with a $2867 loss. Steve Andersen stated that he will combine some of the accounts as listed.

New Business:

Annual Program Bob Bonner/Dennis Bing & Company

1. Exhibits sold out

2. Block of rooms at the hotel sold out

3. Highest attendance ever, without counting “at the door” registration

4. Great facility, great speakers, Power Point repository on the RCSW site.

5. Sunday Annual Business Meeting 5:15

6. Reg Online is up and running for the first year. Has been a work-in-progress and a headache at times, but should be good for next year. Bill Nehring has volunteered to chair on-line registration for next year as well.

MOTION: Offer to wave tuition/registration to RCSW sponsored events for those board members and chairs of committees in good standing i.e.75% attendance at BOD meetings. Motion was approved.

BOD meeting adjourned at 21:40

Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Transition Meeting in Wenatchee

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Convened 8:00 AM

Welcome-Call to Order – Dennis Criswell

Roll Call – Lisa Bennett

A quorum was present:

Dennis Criswell, President

Dennis Bing, President-Elect

Carl Hinkson, Vice President

Scott Alberts, Immediate Past President

Secretary – Lisa Bennett

Delegate Gary Wickman

Alternate Delegate Bob Bonner

Ty Sauve, President, Cascade Chapter

Garth Arkell, President, Eastern Chapter

Scott Mahoney Dir- 2009

Thomasa McCown Dir- 2009

Donavan Knight, Dir-2008

Celeste Stubbs, Dir-2007

Nicki Bly, Dir-2007

Excused:

Treasurer – Steve Andersen

Greg Carter, Dir-2008

Tom Utigard, President, Central Chapter

Jon Jahns, President, Puget Sound Chapter

Judy Hampton, President, Rainier Chapter

Absent:

Dennis Archer

Dr. Josh Benditt, Medical Advisor

Non-voting Members present:

Bill Nehring

Dee Arkell

Minutes – Lisa Bennett

The minutes of the BOD Meeting, Sept 6, 2006, were read aloud and approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Scott Alberts for Holly Meo

1) Current bank balance is $45,887.67. There are still some outstanding checks to come in and some insurance payments to be made. Holly will meet with some of the board members on Thursday Feb 22, at which time more info will be available regarding income and expenses for 2006.

2) BOD requested that the annual financial report be emailed to all BOD members and that it be posted on the RCSW website. Scott A. will see that this happens. Thereafter, BOD would like quarterly financial reports, which can easily be exported from QuickBooks and emailed.

3) Scott reported that our 2006 budget year bottom-line was -$600, that is $600 loss.

4) Question was asked if our non-profit status is in jeopardy because of our bank account balance. Scott reports that, only if we consistently show a profit over years will we be at risk. Currently, we are not consistently showing a profit.

5) Our CD was to be renewed as a 6-yr CD. We don’t have the information on whether that has happened.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Cascade: Tye Sauve

The chapter had 1 mini-conference in 2006. The goal for 2007 is to have 2-3 mini-conferences and to do a mid-summer fundraiser for a charity of their choice in conjunction with the hospital. Plan for a bigger and better RC week. They hope to contact key people in order to increase membership in the AARC/RCSW. Bill Nehring would like to assist in making an event happen in Whatcom County.

Puget Sound Chapter: Jon Jahns absent, no report.

Central Chapter: Lisa Bennett, no activity.

Rainier Chapter: Judy Hampton, absent, no report

Eastern Chapter: Garth Arkell

Sponsoring NRP class tomorrow, Peds Seminar in March with Dr. Howard, and a seminar in Sept. Idaho just banned field burning which should improve air quality in the Spokane area.

Committee Reports

Chapter Affairs – Scott Alberts

Scott suggested that we, as therapists, hospitals, home care companies consider strong support for appropriate charities. The ALA is having the annual “Asthma Walk” is Seattle, around U of W, May 6. This walk is named in honor of Gayle Shapiro who recently passed away. An organizational luncheon will be held March 20^th downtown Seattle. We are able to designate where the funds we personally donate would be used. The BOD agreed that support for the asthma camps would be appropriate use of dollars donated. ALA has website where you can apply as team, donate, specify where you want your donation to be used. Donations by credit card are EASY on this site, sponsoring a team, etc.

Would RCSW make donation? NO, but would help by participating in fundraising as individuals. Question if we could have a booth at the registration area. Scott will check on this. We would reciprocate by having ALA space at the April RCSW conference. Actually, ALA did have space at last year’s conference, although the table was not manned. RCSW alignment with like causes is important.

Budget & Audit – Nicki Bly

Quarterly financial reports will facilitate reports to BOD. Nicki will work with Steve to make this happen. Although this committee is not funded, BOD agreed to pay for needed PO Box for permanent address for IRS requirement. Also required is an agent to represent RCSW. Much discussion followed on how to make this work. Motion: Fund a PO Box was presented and passed. Nicki will research the issues and make this happen, including deciding who will be the agent.

Legislative – Gary Wickman/Carl Hinkson

· The big push is Medicare Part B payment for RCPs with bachelors degrees in the home care setting or in the physician offices. Gary will email a Q&A paper to BOD next week for information on this.

· Medicare limitation on payment for home O2 equipment. Bush 2007 budget includes changing the previous agreement to pay for the equipment for 36mo, and then the patient owns it - to 13 months. This means the reimbursement to the home care companies will be less than their cost. This is a big SAFETY issue for our patients who have no one checking on the cleaning/function of the equipment, no coverage for replacement equipment while theirs is being repaired, and in the end, families are stuck with equipment and what to do with it. HR 621 is a bill that would delete the home oxygen equipment part of this limitation. This is important to support. In addition, in October, Medicare will institute competitive bidding for home oxygen equipment in major areas. Seattle-Bellevue- Tacoma is presently one of the major areas.

· Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Act. Currently, CMS has left it to local intermediaries to determine if these will be reimbursed. Across the country, the reimbursement is different. Washington State is not reimbursed. This act would standardize reimbursement for Rehab as a Medicare benefit. S329 and HR 552.

· Gary issues a call-to-action on these items. Call your legislators, pass on to other therapists and especially to patients who can call legislators. Let them know that our RCSW legislative representatives will be calling on them March 5^th&6^th to discuss these important issues. We need letters of endorsement from ALA, ATS. Scott will get ALA info to Gary.

· Gary and Carl meet Quarterly with Tracy Hanson and Bob Nicoloff to discuss concerns and issues that arise. This is going well, they have the ear of the DOH. The goal will be to get a site on the DOH website for Q & A for issues that are currently occurring. This would make the info available to all, since there has been nothing written on each individual issue where a ruling was made. Terry Smith has been active on something recent about staffing guidelines that is mostly about nursing now, but may impact us down the road. ECMO- no final ruling but the preliminary looks “ok”. They are saying that ECMO represents “respiratory-related physiological support” so that administering appropriate drugs and blood would be allowed, as long as you are in charge of the device. However, nothing in writing. DOH is taking it to the AG for interpretation. Gary has given them OR DOH ruling on ECMO and AARC position paper.

· Communication – quarterly newletter proposed by Scott Mahoney would be ideal for the legislative update, posted on RCSW website.

· Team meeting with DOH next to discuss direction on “who can setup and educate on respiratory equipment – especially CPAP”. This is a huge issue. We do not want to alienate our sleep counterparts, but this needs to be defined in terms of the law. Medicare has a definition of what “under direct supervision of a licensed individual” means. Direct supervision means “physically present and immediately available”. Suggest inviting members from PNSA to our RCSW annual meeting for a small group meeting. Micah Nehring is the President. Gary will contact him to invite him to meet with Dennis Criswell,Scott Alberts, Dennis Bing, Nick Frederici, Gary Wickman, Nicki Bly. Gary will also contact Cheryl West to inquire about the APT stance on this issue and what/who Bonnie Robertson represents or speaks for.

Delegate’s Report – Bob Bonner

Meeting in Las Vegas report: AARC has lot to do with what goes on at the state level and in Washington, D.C.

· Medicare Part B reimbursement for RTs with Bachelors degree is very important goal for long-term good.

· Membership numbers continue to increase despite what our state numbers seem to be. Bob will try to determine what the discrepancy is, maybe students, as our WA state numbers are down from last year by 44 with an increase in RCPs of 150.

· Bob will continue to tease-out details in the AARC Manpower report for info that WA can use.That survey has the workforce aging and retiring soon in significant numbers.

· There is a clear push by all interested parties to clean up and simplify the credentially process for RRT. Much spirited discussion with final comment that changing the NBRC credentialing system may lead states to have to open their practice acts to amend the language, which puts the act at risk. This will be discussed again at the Summer Forum in July. The delegates believe this laborious and costly credentialing process is the reason many practitioners do not finish their credential with RRT.

Program – Bob Bonner

· Presented preliminary program plans including dates, location, keynote speakers and some extra events. Discussion about a sputum bowl competition with “knowledge achievement award” money for the winners. Discussion about sponsoring the winning team to National Conference. BOD determined there is not enough time this year to consider, but to plant the seeds with this year’s conference. Nicki will investigate if there are IRS implications with awarding money for this activity. According to the bylaws, we can’t give cash to members other than for scholarships.

· Bob will have a preliminary flyer out this next week to the hospitals to save the date, make room reservations NOW – need them by March 27^th or there is a significant increase in cost. Flyer will include keynote speakers and announce that the exhibits will be available three days.

· Bob will have the final flyer out end of the month.

· Electronic Registration is a “go” this year. There are many extra features as part of the EASY on-line registration, including participant lists, email addresses for contact, promoting membership in AARC, encouraging volunteer for RCSW office.

Communications – Lisa Bennett-no activity, no report

Bylaws –Dennis Bing

Bylaws were presented to the AARC, sent back for a few revisions. Those revisions were presented to the RCSW members and approved unanimously. The final version was submitted to the AARC and a copy was sent to the website to replace the old version. The RCSW Bylaws will need to be reviewed again in 2011. NOTE: the Bylaws must be electronically submitted to the AARC Executive Office 120 days PRIOR to the AARC BOD Meeting at which they will be considered. It is highly recommended that we review our Bylaws in 2010, preparing them for submission to the AARC in 2011.

Scholarship/Education – Dennis Archer (absent)

Carl will contact Dennis to assure that the scholarship application process is happening and will be ready for the annual meeting.

Membership –Steve Andersen (excused) Lisa Bennett, no report.

Long-Range Planning – Dennis Bing

Dennis will work with Donavan on the ballot, help Bob with the “Sputum Bowl” preparations, and plan the next transition meeting to be earlier in the year, shooting for early November.

Elections – Donavan Knight

Thomasa has volunteered to help with the development of the ballot and the electronic voting process. They have a timeline that allows the votes to be counted, election finished by October 15. They support the link, on the on-line registration for “Would you like to run for office:” Bill Nehring will work on this.

Offices up for election are President-Elect, Vice President, Delegate, 2 Board of directors, Chapter Presidents-5.

Webmaster – Terry Smith absent, no report

Continuing Education – Dennis Archer (absent)

No Report

Public Relations - Dennis C./Scott Alberts/Dennis Bing

No Report

Old Business

· Nicki will research what the minimum bank balance we can have and how we can better utilize our funds, consider getting better interest rate on some of the checking account balance.

· Garth expressed concern for the historical items that are shuffled around each year. Consider a permanent place for safekeeping. Dennis C. will appoint an ad hoc “historical” committee – possibly a “historian”, to address these concerns. Bill N. and Lisa will cull Janis’s secretary box for any items that can be archived. Consider scanning old minutes onto CD.

New Business

Committee Chairs:

Chapter Affairs - Scott Alberts

Budget and Audit - Nicki Bly

Legislative – Gary Wickman and Carl Hinkson

Delegate – Gary Wickman & Bob Bonner

Program – Bob Bonner and Dennis Bing

Communications – Scott Mahoney

Bylaws – Lisa Bennett

Scholarship – Dennis Archer

Membership – Steve Andersen/Lisa Bennett/ Bill Nehring (alternate sites)

Long Range Planning – Dennis Bing

Elections – Donavan Knight

Webmaster – Terry Smith

Continuing Education – Dennis Archer

Public Relations – Dennis Criswell/Scott Alberts/Dennis Bing

Budget – Same bottom-line as 2006, Dennis Criswell will email final budget to BOD
The budget was developed by the BOD during transition meeting

2007 Meeting Dates

April – Annual conference

Summer – Dennis Criswell will pick a date or two and send to BOD, probably a Friday.

Fall – Early Nov as the transition meeting.

Adjourned: 1100

Respectfully submitted, Lisa Bennett, Secretary

Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

(Distance-Meeting: Highline and Spokane Community Colleges)

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Convened 1:20 PM

Welcome-Call to Order – Scott Alberts

Roll Call – Janis Cunningham

A quorum was present:

Scott Alberts, President

Carl Hinkson, Vice President

Dennis Bing, Immediate Past President

Dennis Criswell, President-Elect

Janis Cunningham, Secretary

Bob Bonner, Delegate

Gary Wickman, Delegate

Scott Mahoney, Cascade Chapter President

Jon Jahns, Puget Sound President

Nicki Bly - Director, 2007

Celeste Stubbs – Director, 2007

Greg Carter – Director, 2008

Donavan Knight – Director, 2008

Excused:

Holly Meo, Treasurer

Lisa Bennett, Central Chapter President

Earl Moore, Eastern Chapter President

Steve Andersen – Director, 2006

Absent:

Judy Hampton, Rainier Chapter President

Dennis Archer – Director, 2006

Dr. Josh Benditt, Medical Advisor

Non-voting Members present:

Terry Smith, Webmaster

Eric Anderson, Chair for State Conference Vendors

Bill Nehring

Dee Arkell

Minutes – Janis Cunningham

The minutes of the April 23, 2006 BOD Meeting were read silently and approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Scott Alberts for Holly Meo

A copy of the current Treasurer’s Report had been e-mailed to each board member. Scott had discussed the report with Holly prior to this meeting.

Discussion: 1) Currently, Holly spends enough time with H&R Block with forms and transactions to possibly warrant hiring an accountant in the future.

2) The “Incorporation” fee is due by the end-March.

3) The board requests a detailed account of what exactly we are getting from our lobbyist Nick Federici.

4) Our CD is coming due. Since we haven’t ever needed that money, a decision was made to earn better interest by rolling it over into an “extended life” CD of approx. 6 yrs.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Cascade: Scott Mahoney

Plans for an AARC-accredited educational meeting in November.

For RC Week, Providence-Everett plans a free public lung screening.

Puget Sound Chapter: Jon Jahns

Working with Rainier Chapter on a Peds Conference, rescheduled to Feb, 2007.

Working with Harborview Med Ctr for Adult Critical Care Conference at HCC, February 2007.

Central Chapter: Lisa Bennett, excused, no report.

Rainier Chapter: Judy Hampton, absent, no report

Eastern Chapter: Dee Arkell for Earl Moore, who is in Washington, DC

Plans to attend AARC conference in Las Vegas and willing to identify potential speakers for our State Conference.

Plans to pay Dr. Howard’s registration fee for AARC conference.

Plans an AARC-accredited educational meeting in October.

Earl suggests the RCSW pay for co-medical advisors registration to the AARC conference, and their annual AARC membership. The board agrees.

Committee Reports

Chapter Affairs – Dennis Bing

Presented a topic at one chapter meeting since April. Earl has requested Gary Wickman to present a legislative topic in October.

Budget & Audit – Nicki Bly

How long should we choose for the “extended” CD – we agreed on 6 years for the best interest.

Legislative – Gary Wickman/Carl Hinkson

A written report was distributed to all board members via e-mail.

· Miriam O’Day put information together for the Alpha1Antitrypsin issue. She is very active and effective.

· We made good progress/relationships in Washington, DC and the AARC

· The AARC has been working to get “commissioned officer” status for RRT’s in the service, who also have a Bachelor’s degree.

· Dept of Health and Human Services is trying to get 200 RT’s to sign up with the Public Services Dept, available for a disaster response team.

· 435 Team: we have at least one RCP from each legislative district in Washington State. We need at least 2 RCP’s and 1 patient. Please attend local Town Meetings with your congressmen, telling them the health issues: our concerns are Patient Safety and Patient Advocacy.

· State DOH agrees that RCP’s can take verbal orders, but there is yet NOTHING officially in writing. Tracey has been saying “yes” on a case-by-case basis. A global ruling needs to be written.

· Gary Wickman, Bob Bonner, Dennis Bing and Scott Alberts met with the DOH: Tracey Hansen and Robert Nicoloff – very productive. We need to re-establish the Ad Hoc Advisory Board. This team will remain informal for now, meeting quarterly, working on current issues; Scope of Practice.

· TDP – led by Terry Smith, with help from Bob Bonner, Gary Wickman and Donavan Knight – successful at this point. Although the ruling is not yet final, the wording is the way we want. The key wording is “per RT Department procedural protocol”. Key content includes “communication with physicians.” Recommendations will be reviewed in November, then put out to the public in December.

· IDEA: RCSW to sponsor a small conference in Olympia on legislative ideas and issues. “The BOD is obligated to know the way legislation works.” Purpose would be to train persons in the RT community how to affect change through legislation. This could be part of our annual Transition Meeting. Suggestions –

1) Hold the Transition Meeting near Olympia

2) Invite our lobbyist, Nick Federici to speak

3) Have the Transition Meeting last 1.5 days, then give the RT’s a choice to attend another 1.5 days dedicated to legislative orientation.

Delegate’s Report – Bob Bonner

A report from the 2006 Summer House of Delegates Meeting was e-mailed to all RCSW BOD members prior to this meeting.

Discussion:

· The AARC BOD passed our RCSW Bylaws!!

· Disaster Preparedness – many respiratory practitioners were affected by the hurricane Katrina. There is a real “call to arms” by our national organization. RT Depts. and schools are to be charged with disaster preparedness plans. Adequate food, shelter, and supplies for 3 days, minimum. We can form an ad hoc committee to do this.

· Best Practices Committee is the current direction the AARC is headed. The first area will be “Rapid Response Teams” – a kind of pre-Code team made up usually of an MD/RN/RRT – to respond to inpatients who are beginning to show signs of failing.

· The current President of AARC, Toni Rodriquez from Arizona is a very enthusiastic motivational speaker. She is the 1^st 2-yr term president, and would be excellent to invite to speak at our conference.

· National electronic voting is on its way, and the method will be shared with affiliates who want to implement e-voting.

· Membership goal for our RCSW is to increase new members by 20 this year. Steve Andersen has discounted memberships ($35 for new members). Washington State has about 660 AARC members – that ranks 10^th in the nation. NY has about 2,072 and PA has about 2, 544. Of note, the average age of a RCP is >45-46yrs. There will be significant retiring occuring in the next 5-10 years. 50% Program Directors will retire in the next 8-9 years.

· Manpower Survey – the AARC has recent survey, but nothing specific to Washington State. The NW includes Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Washington and maybe Alaska. We may want to do our own manpower survey – including ages, salaries, growth. In next several years, what will the workforce need? What are school’s projections for RT grads?

· Asthma course is being co-sponsored in Washington State – AARC want to present this in the NW , and we would like to put this on at the state level. Jon Jahns took this course and reported that it is very good. It offers a 5-year credential after taking a $200 exam. Gary Wickman, in a unionized environment, notes there is a monetary incentive for each credential: CPFT, Polysom Tech, etc. The American Lung Association offers a prep class for the $200 exam. This class will be offered in Spokane, then in Seattle-area.

· SPECIAL CONCERN – many RT grads take the 1^st part of the NBRC exam, begin working, and never take the advanced exam. Now, punitive measures will be put into place. No one at the National level recognizes “Registry-eligible”. This is a made-up moniker.

Program – Dee Arkell

· Did well: $17, 295 profit

· Red Lion offers points. We earned 135,000 points which can be used toward rooms and air travel.

· Electronic Registration – let’s try to make this a “go” this next year. Statistics would also be readily available.

· Add COFFEE. This was a huge dissatisfier on the evaluation.

· One person wanted Pulmonary Diagnostics.

VENDOR CZAR – Eric Anderson, doing a great job since 1990.

1. 9 out of 17 years we have had eastern-WA meetings

2. SeaTac Meeting = 62 booths

3. Spokane Meeting = 52/54 booths

4. We earn $13-14,000 from the Vendors.

5. Eric will sign a new contract with GES, since the old one expired. There is a certain %increase each year, which includes 8-10 booths with drapings & chairs, powered at 500 watts, flood lights, carpet, registration counter, etc.

Dee Arkell added that GES ran the Vendor/Registration area beautifully in Spokane when Eric was unable to be present.

6. NOTE: One vendor has still not paid.

7. In 2007, Booths will be $500.

8. Dee/Holly will compile statistics from 2006 State Conference, trying to complete by November, to divide out attendance by how many RCPs, students, 1-day, 2-day, etc.

Communications – Lisa Bennett (excused)

No Report

Bylaws – Janis Cunningham/Dennis Bing

After incredible tenacity by Dennis Bing, the Bylaws were finally passed by the AARC BOD, within the projected goal of this year 2006. Per the AARC, affiliate Bylaws are to be reviewed every 5 years. The RCSW Bylaws will need to be reviewed again in 2011. NOTE: the Bylaws must be electronically submitted to the AARC Executive Office 120 days PRIOR to the AARC BOD Meeting at which they will be considered. It is highly recommended that we review our Bylaws in 2010, preparing them for submission to the AARC in 2011.

Scholarship/Education – Dennis Archer (absent)

No report

Membership – Dennis Bing for Lisa Bennett, Steve Andersen (excused)

Our AARC/RCSW membership is down. It was 817 at our Transition Meeting last January. Retention is SO important. Dennis passes a list of “2-months past-due” members around our BOD table to see if anyone recognizes a name and can give a personal nudge – or clarify if the member has moved or changed professions.

Long-Range Planning – Dennis Criswell

Currently developing the RCSW Transition Meeting agenda, to include a “Legislative Workshop”. Also, planning an endorsement of a 4-year Bachelor’s program for RRT’s.

Elections – Donavan Knight

Lots of nomination forms received, but many duplications of names. President-elect now has 2 names: Dennis Bing and Bret Fields.

Vice President: Carl Hinkson and Jerry Boos.

Secretary: Bill Nehring and Lisa Bennett.

Treasurer: Steve Andersen; (?) Patti Martin, Spokane; Al Letterer

BOD: possibly 4 names for two positions

Chapter Presidents: One name for each chapter, but Central Chapter

Dennis Bing is assisting Donavan with the ballots.

Webmaster – Terry Smith

· $600 profit from “BrainHunters” – this is now showing on the Treasure’s Report

· BrainHunters is a good, economical way to advertise positions in your dept.

· There have been 12,700 requests for information from our RCSW Website

· We’ve transferred 10 gigs of info over 3 months.

· CEU’s Page is top hit

· A site map has been added, very easy to use

· Terry is glad to post anything on the calendar – upcoming CEU’s, RCSW BOD Meeting Minutes, etc.

· Please notify Terry of any broken links.

Continuing Education – Dennis Archer (absent)

No Report

Public Relations - Scott Alberts/Dennis Bing

No Report

Business Items

· DOH hospital regulations reply and meeting – no report

· RT licensure board representation – no report

· Fidelity bonding and liability insurance – Philadelphia Indemnity quote review (Scott Alberts)

A motion was made and passed to approve $1229.00 for this bonding and insurance. We are awaiting a Surety Bond quote, soon.

· International Fellow – Celeste Stubbs

The fellow will stay at Celeste’s home, over the week of Thanksgiving. This only leave 3 days for them to do anything: M/T/W because of the Holiday. If anyone is interested in participating in this, please contact Celeste.

· Development of 4-Year Program for RC in Washington State – Bob Bonner

Washington State needs to begin to get a 4 year program going. A proposal was distributed by Bob. Bob is prepared to go forward with this upon the board’s approval. Proposal will be made to various institutions, Bob will accept feed-back, and report to RCSW BOD. There are no up-front costs. The $5000 would be “seed money” for the best offer. Ex: a college may give Bachelor’s in HealthCare with Respiratory Care emphasis. There would be a required meeting between the proposed institution and the RCSW Executive Committee before ANY money is exchanged. Problem: 4-yr programs are complaining of low enrollment now. Recommendation: Education Committee will move forward with this, refine, and send out proposals; reporting progress at RCSW BOD Mtg.

· Surveymonkey.com electronic voting – No. We will wait and use the AARC’s method in the future.

· Next year’s Annual Meeting: Bob Bonner graciously accepted position to be Senior Program Director. Immediately, the following people offered to help: Dennis Bing (help identify national-level speakers), Bill Nehring, Nicki Bly (CEU’s), Eric Anderson (Vendors). We will see if Lauri Stephens is available to assist. John Basile will probably chair “Sleep Specialty” workshop; we may add a PFT or PED’s specialty workshop. We NEED a legislative Update – including a booth for a Letter-writing campaign.

Bob will be exploring facility availability in April/May, not to conflict with Holidays and other events.

Discussion: Our Meeting is not cheap; but let’s try to make registration costs less. In comparison to other professional meetings (nursing, pharmacy, P.T.), ours is more expensive. Look at it as dollar cost/CEU, RCSW is high, compared to other states. Maybe if we offered a lower registration, we’d get a higher attendance and make up the revenue that way. Should we look at it as a “break-even”? NO – this is our state’s MAJOR fundraiser, to help pay for lobbyist, travel fees for delegates, incorporation fees, bonding & liability insurance, offset AARC membership fees for new members and Medical Advisors, etc. But perhaps make registration as NEUTRAL as possible, and make up the revenue from the Vendor-area. The RCP-attendees want lower registration, COFFEE, breakfast and break treats.

New Business

Nicki Bly was introduced as the Director of the Sleep Program at Highline Community College. She wrote a grant which is $125,000 from Washington State every year that Nicki keeps the program going! She has 50 applicants for Fall Quarter, and will accept 16. This is 3-quarters, full-time, including on-line lectures. Lab experience will be arranged at different sites, and adjunct experience will be arranged in different labs. There is flexibility in entering: 7 qtr. AAS degree with pre-req RT courses; or a Ladder Program, if qualified, you can apply for a 3 qtr Sleep Program. An AAS in polysomnography will be awarded.

Transition Meeting

This meeting may be moved to Jan 2007, to allow for voting to be finalized, and to coincide with a legislative workshop. Site may be near Olympia to facilitate this workshop.

Adjourned: 1610

Respectfully submitted, Janis Cunningham, Secretary

ADDENDUM (10/06/2006) Bob Bonner signed a contract for our 34^th Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Respiratory Care Conference for April 28,29, 30 and May 1^st, 2007 at the Sea-Tac Double Tree. The exibit area will be open all three days.

RCSW Board Meeting 5/15/05

Seattle, Washington SeaTac Hilton State Meeting

Convened 12:45

Present: There was a quorum present

Jerry Boos

Dennis Bing

Celeste Stubbs

Bob Bonner

Chris Cella

Bob Hirnle

Lisa Bennett

Debbie Jones

Holly Meo

Eric Anderson

Terry Smith

Gary Wickman

Lauri Stephens

Judy Hampton

Jonathon Jahns

Nicki Bly

Ty Sauve

Scott Mahoney

Steve Andersen

Minutes – 2/28/05 RCSW BOD meeting read silently and approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Holly Meo reported that as of today, our bank balance was $61,461.34. We have filed an extension for our income taxes, because we have had to have our accounting books reviewed by a CPA to facilitate incorporation. The review of our books is 98% complete and should be done by the end of June. Taxes will be filed on completion of the review. CD transferred to Bank of America. Also, according to the bylaws, the treasurer must be bonded. Dennis and Holly will get this taken care of.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Puget Sound Chapter - Jon Jahns reports that they will have a Pediatric conference in Sept.

Cascade Chapter - Scott Mahoney reported that they had 20 people at their meeting in April. Next meeting will be June 14^th, at Providence Everett Cascade room, 2-4pm. Patrick Dunn will speak, good for 3 CEU, posted on the RCSW website. Dennis reminded all of the CEU change from AARC making it easier to get the CEUs for meetings. You can get them up to 30 days before the meeting.

Central Chapter – Still no chapter president. Dan Welch is the secretary. Dan and various members to work on finding someone to step up to the plate.

Rainier Chapter – Judy Hampton – Chapter had a meeting with a one CEU offering on VAP. Nov 14-15 they will host a 2-day trauma seminar with 13 CEUs. This is a combined effort of RCSW/Providence Medical Center/Rainier Chapter. Fliers available for mailing July/Aug. with an AARC membership discount. Also offering 16 ACN credits, so spread the word for nursing.

Eastern Chapter – No one from the Eastern chapter present.

Chapter Affairs - Gary and Dennis still want to visit chapter meetings as they are held, possibly in Sept. Please get in touch with either, you can send a message to RCSW officers at the RCSW website.

Jerry Boos, Chapter Affairs, is sending a letter to each chapter president urging them to look for a replacement for their office. This to facilitate the ballot for 2006.

Committee Reports

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - Gary Wickman reported that we have lost Jill Eicher, our national lobbyist. This is a significant loss for us, but an opportunity for someone new.

Gary reported attending the Cascade chapter meeting and is willing to meet with other chapters. Gary has a slide presentation on legislative issues
The Home Health bill amendment, sponsored by Rick Renzi (AZ) was reintroduced on the House side, should happen on the Senate side.
Carl Hinkson accompanied Gary to Washington D.C. during PACT session which was great. Gary suggests more people go next year. The PACT session had 90 people who made 200 visits to congress people. It was very positive, but they had not gotten a co-sponsor for the Home Health bill as of yet.
“435 plan” from the AARC. This is a new program where we get 1 or 2 or more people from each of the congressional districts who determine to meet with their legislators. Gary will help keep the “435 Plan” people up to date on information. If you are interested in doing this in your district (Washington has 9 congressional districts) contact Gary or any of the RCSW board.
Patients, especially, are needed to speak to Congress as part of the COPD Caucus on issues such as oxygen on the airlines, home health ie.; ventilators in the home, etc. AARC will help deal with issues. If you know patients and/or the patients need help getting to D.C., contact Gary.

DELAGATE - HOD meeting was attended by Gary Wickman and Eric Anderson. Mainly the Home Health bill was being pushed. Discussion about trying to streamline the CEU process, focusing on membership growth and service to members.

Next meeting is at the Summer Forum. Bob Bonner and Jerry Boos are planning to attend.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE - Bob Bonner and co-chair Lauri Stephens were praised for this awesome meeting. Eric Anderson reports that the exhibit area is full with 62 exhibiters including 5 sleep companies. The programs went out earlier this year. Expect close to last year’s attendance, with the pulmonary diagnostics section attendance down slightly.

Conference strives to successfully meet needs/wants/desires of several distinct groups

1. Exhibitors

2. Members/Nonmembers

3. Educators

4. Guests/Speakers

5. RCSW

6. Student groups

7. Hotel

Conference 2006 –Dee Arkell is putting together a group for Spokane for 2006. The board has reservations about the exhibit area for Spokane. In the past, there has been a max of 50 spots. The Board suggested that the Spokane delegation present program plans to the board at the next opportunity. Jerry suggested there be some setup information available to program committees. Bob mentioned that the convention people (Hilton, etc.) have a good network of communication with their counterparts in Spokane and share that information. Also, the Spokane Chamber of Commerce has been most eager to have RCSW meeting come back to Spokane.

Communications - Suggestion was made to feature a collegue in every newsletter. Nominations and information may be submitted to Lisa Bennett bennettla@charter.net.

Lisa will work on a newsletter sometime after the state meeting.

BYLAWS – Our bylaws are up for review in 2006. Proposed changes have been typed and sent. Now that we are incorporated, that wording was included. Changes may be listed in next year’s ballot.

SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION - Bob Hirnle reported that he received 9 papers from scholarship applicants. Elizabeth Henshaw from TCC $1000 and Deana Shulte from HCC $1000 were the winners of the scholarships. Terry will put the papers on the website, Dennis will present their scholarships at our Annual Business meeting tomorrow. Lisa will put their awards in the newsletter for recognition.

MEMBERSHIP- “Two-for-The-Price-of-One “campaign is considered a success. We have sold 33 memberships so far. There are 7 left of the 40 discount coupons we purchased. Steve will take the remaining ones. Our hope is to encourage new members to get active and renew on their own next year. We will close this campaign with the thought that we may do something different in the fall.

Dennis and Gary reminded us that the AARC member gets a $40 discount when taking the first time NBRC exam (or specialty exams).

End of April our membership was 856 which is up 3.4% in one year. Our goal is to keep our numbers and grow them. Currently 2141 practitioners in the state, this gives us 40% membership.

We plan to continue the postcard mailings to those due to renew and those past due.

LONG-RANGE PLANNING –Scott is not here.

ELECTIONS - Debbie Jones volunteered to head the elections committee and to get a ballot together. Contact Debbie for any potential nominations.

Webmaster – Terry Smith presented Website stats: 500K requests from 24K different computers. CEU offerings are/may be placed on the calendar, registration forms can be placed there, also. Speaker notes are and will be available there from the state meeting. The Head Hunters jobsite is slow, please encourage its use. It is mutually beneficial to employers/employees. An ad is only $105 for 30 days.

The new logo is on the site which reflects the Inc. status. Anyone can use for a header – just right click, save, and use. Terry stated that we were not a 501-3-c organization, so therefore, not eligible for free software for the organization.

OLD BUSINESS

Incorporation – is complete. Our 501 status is determined by our parent organization, the AARC. We cannot be 501-3-c because AARC is not. Holly to talk to Ed about the possibility and to let Terry know the outcome (reference to being eligible for free software).

Meeting adjourned 13:40.

Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Distance Teleconference

February 28, 2005

Convened 1310

Roll Call: A quorum was present

Present – Excused/Absent-

Dennis Bing – 2005 President Garth Arkell – Delegate, resigned

Debbie Jones – 2005 Vice President Brian Lee – Pres, Eastern Chapt.

Jerry Boos – Past-President Jon Jahns – Pres, P. Sound Chapt.

Scott Alberts – President-Elect Judy Hampton – Pres, Rainier

Janis Cunningham – Secretary Bob Patacini – Pres, Central,

Holly Meo – Treasurer (*Bob is currently unable to serve)

Bob Bonner – Delegate Celeste Stubbs- Director, 2007

Scott Mahoney – President, Cascade Chapter

Rob McCallum – Director, 2005

Lisa Bennett – Director, 2005

Dennis Archer – Director, 2006

Steve Andersen – Director, 2006

Nicki Bly, Director – 2007

Others Present –

Fred Goglia

Terry Smith – Webmaster

Dee Arkell for Eastern Chapter President Brian Lee

Minutes: Janis Cunningham

The minutes of the November 15^th BOD Transition Meeting were read silently and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Holly Meo

- New Bank of America checking account: Designated “signers” are Holly Meo, Dennis Bing, Debbie Jones as of Jan 13, 2005.

- Current Balance, $37,741.33 Report was distributed by Holly.

- CD transferred to Bank of America, increased to $10,000

- CPA annual accounts review is adequate. Why not audit? Because it costs $13.000 to do full audit. And this is because of corporate malfeasance.

- Brian Lee’s and Dee Arkell’s check was sent for travel to Leavenworth.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

- Cascade Chapter – Scott Mahoney

End of March/ First of April a sort of “greet and meet”, then move on to increase membership from there.

- Puget Sound Chapter – Jon Jahns absent, no report.

- Central Chapter – Bob Patacini (To be discussed)

- Rainier Chapter – Judy Hampton absent, no report.

- Eastern Chapter – Dee Arkell for Brian Lee

Some inservices planned, dates will not conflict with May Meeting.

Committee Reports

- Chapter Affairs – Jerry Boos – no report

- Budget & Audit – Nicki Bly – no report

- Legislative – Gary Wickman, Carl Hinkson – Gary is unable to attend but sent written report. Highlights: three action items.

1) Visit AARC Website, Capitol Connection Link, Advocacy Section – email your legislators to support changes in Medicare Law.

2) Share the above information with at least 1 other RCP, and encourage them to do the same. 50 emails would be great before we get to Wash DC.

3) Point person for each legislative district. Note motion on state issue re: tobacco Passed unanimously. Needs letter of support. Dennis Bing will contact G. Wickman, and get a letter of support drafted.

In addition, Scott Alberts generated a vote of confidence for the American Lung Assoc. to make educational asthma guidelines available to HCP’s, nursing students, etc. Dennis will draft that letter for Scott Alberts.

(See written report.)

- Delegate – Gary Wickman, Eric Anderson (for Bob Bonner)

There was nothing tremendously noteworthy. Mostly committee review. We will have a more complete report at our next BOD Meeting at the State Conference.

New business: we need to fill the delegate position that Garth left. A call for volunteers reveals Jerry Boos or Eric Anderson. Dennis Bing moved to accept Jerry Boos, to complete Garth’s position. Passed unanimously.

- Program – Bob Bonner/Lauri Stephens

Bob reports: e-mails back and forth have yielded a tentative slate of speakers: local and national. Location will be the SeaTac Hilton. Set-up will be slightly different. “Sleep” on Sunday, “Pulmonary Diagnostics” on Monday. Entertainment: Casino with Raffle-type winning. People who come in are dressed “Las Vegas” style. Possibly “Celebrity Poker”? This will be about a 3-hour event on Monday night. We will also host a Passed-President reception. We would also like to host some of the regional political leaders – ID, MT, OR. Eric states the vendor area is looking good. We are trying to keep registration the same, but bump up about $5 or $10. Nice lunch on Monday – for 11/2 to 2 hrs. Then lunch during the Annual Business Meeting. The cheapest boxed lunch (SeaTac Hilton caterers) is $22!! Exhibitors and participants will both be included – buffet-style. The buffet may open ½ hour early for exhibitors to eat first. Also, BOARD, please help attendance: advertising, remind RT’s how many CEU’s they will earn, carpooling, have dept. sponsor registration fees; also put the best face on this as possible: assist solving problems, thank the vendors, etc. We have to meet the baseline number of room-rentals. There is no benefit in renting MORE rooms.

- Communications – Lisa Bennett, call for volunteer

Thinking about the Newsletter. Lisa will bring it together, but needs volunteers to submit articles. Will this newsletter be Web-based? A printed letter would be great to have at the May Meeting to refresh peoples’ memories.

- ByLaws – Janis Cunningham

Dennis has suggested meeting with me and reviewing the current ByLaws. We will be ready to submit them for review by the AARC deadline: 2006. Any changes must be voted on prior to submission to AARC. We will try to pull together anything new, and vote at our May Conference General Meeting.

- Scholarship/Education – Bob Hirnle – absent, no report.

Dennis Archer presented an idea in Nov. to recognize a current practitioner who wants to apply for a scholarship.

- Membership – Lisa Bennett, Steve Andersen

If we increase from 30 to 40, ($3,000 expenditure) AARC Memberships, we will get a better deal: $70 apiece instead of $80. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. We will try to sell 2 memberships for $75. That way, we will replace ½ the money into RCSW. The benefit for us, is we will get 2 MEMBERS for every coupon purchased. RCSW still receives $12 for every AARC member. There was much discussion over HOW to sell these memberships. It was agreed NOT to sell them at the conference, but sell BEFORE. Then there will be another sale the 2^nd ½ of the year. The hope is that a new member is more likely to renew. Goal is to increase our membership 4% over 5 years. Discussed reminders for renewal: postcards vs phone calls.

- Long Range Planning – Scott Alberts

May 22, 23 to have 2006 meeting on east side. Earle is willing to be on planning committee. Laurie Trudeau, Brian Lee would be key players. Check date to ensure no interference with Lilac Day Parade, or Blooms Day Run. Also, stay away from Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Thoracic Society Meeting. Scott Alberts will look into date conflicts. Facility? Double Tree, old Sheraton on south side of river.

Note: Presidents’ workshop is coming up and Dennis Bing is unable to attend. Is anyone interested in going for Dennis?

- Elections – call for volunteers – Dennis Bing will speak with individuals independently since there were no volunteers.

- Webmaster – Terry Smith

“BrainHunters” has about ½ paid for itself. Let HR know. Also, if you have fellow staff who are LOOKING for jobs, let them know this is available. Check RCSW website. For $105/mo for 30 days – it’s the best deal in town. Please advertise in Newsletter and at RCSW booth. ANYTHING – minutes from BOD meetings, etc. can be posted. Also, please report broken links to Terry. Also, please update any officer info., like a change in your e-mail address. Question: Can we get RT departments to subsidize AARC memberships – can this be posted on the website, then get 1 month free of “BrainHunters”? – this would have to be worked out through Terry. Get creative.

- Continuing Education – Dennis Archer

Dennis is in process of compiling a draft consistent with the mission statement of the RCSW – to promote educational opportunities for working professionals.

- Public Relations- Dennis Bing

No report.

OLD BUSINESS

- Incorporation – Dennis Bing

Signed papers are going to our attorney this afternoon. This will protect our officers, and we may also want liability insurance. Recommended by AARC. A copy of the Incorporation document was circulated.

- E-mail voting procedure – no new information. Will table until next meeting.

- $59 was paid by RCSW for an attorney to look at AARC “Revenue Sharing Agreement” – several states went together to hire this lawyer.

NEW BUSINESS

- Telephone conferencing for distance BOD meetings – in the Fall?

Discussion: At work, people are constantly interrupted, may not be available for voting, etc. Difficult to elicit participation. Turns in to presentations. We will probably continue to video-conf.

- Bylaws revision – Denis Bing and Janis Cunningham will attempt to meet and have revisions ready for a vote at the May General Meeting.

- Invite OR, ID, AK, MT state affiliates to May meeting to discuss common issues. Let’s add Wyoming (per Scott Alberts) secondary to a binding of ID/MT/WY.

*Our elected Central President is not a member of AARC. Bob Patacini is not an AARC member, even after approx. 6 contacts, is still not a member. Bob is not qualified to fill the position of Chapter President. This position is now vacant and needs to be filled. Jerry Liskey and Lisa Bennett will follow-up to this.

- Bob Bonner: Tracy Hanson is back on the RT Committee in Olympia. New impact for RT Students: if you do not take the Advance Level exam in 3 years of grad from an Advance Level program, you will have to retake the Entry Level exam. That person may not be “registry eligible” unless you retake the Entry Level Exam. NBRC does not recognize the term “registry eligible”. You are either CRTT or RRT. Grads this June will fall under these rules. As this began Jan 2005 it’s a “a straight playing field for all new grads.”

Currently, individuals who take the Entry-level exams, have to forward the results to Olympia. BUT, if they have to retake the Entry-level, they do not necessarily have to forward those results on to the state. So, feasibly, we could have LRCP’s practicing who’ve proven they can’t pass the entry-level exam a 2^nd time. Currently there is no way to enforce this. The schools would have access to this information. Bob Bonner will be meeting with Tracy Hanson at our May Conference re: these issues.

Nice pie graphs – 482 AARC members. Still at about 40%.

Next BOD Meeting prior to our Annual Business Meeting, May 2005

Adjourned 1500

Respectfully submitted, Janis Cunningham, RRT

RCSW Board Meeting Minutes

11/15/04

The Langston Inn & Suites

Leavenworth, Washington

Convened 13:00

Present:

Jerry Boos, 2004 President

Dennis Bing, 2004 Vice President

Celeste Stubbs, 2003 Past President

Scott Alberts, 2004 Treasurer

Bob Bonner, 2006 HOD Delegate

Garth Arkell, 2004 HOD Delegate

Chris Cella, BOD

Bob Hirnle, BOD

Rob McCallum, BOD

Lisa Bennett, BOD

Debbie Jones, BOD

Holly Meo, BOD

Dee Arkell, Eastern Chapter President

Carl Hinkson, Puget Sound Chapter President

Craig Hilborn, Rainier Chapter President

Eric Anderson, Vendor Relations Chair

Gary Wickman, Legislative Chair

Terry Smith, Webmaster

Not present:

Jim Allen, Central Chapter President

Bruce Cox, Cascade Chapter President

We declared a quorum to be present

Minutes – April, 2004 RCSW BOD meeting read silently and approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Scott Alberts distributed the treasurer’s report noting a few checks still outstanding. Balance in account is $49,311. There was discussion of how best to use the funds we have available in order to remain not-for-profit. Scott reminded all to include addresses on the form for requests for payment/ reimbursement. Next year, a revised request form will include a place for addresses. Treasurer’s report was approved

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Puget Sound Chapter - Carl Hinkson reported successful fall conference. Planning 3rd Annual Neo/Peds conference in June 2005

Cascade Chapter - Bruce Cox was absent. No report.

Central Chapter – Jim Allen was absent. No report.

Rainier Chapter – Craig Hilborn – The Second Annual, Neonatal Pediatric Conference was held June 12, 2004 at Tacoma General Hospital. The conference was well attended with 96 attendees. We plan on having this conference annually and its location will alternate between Children's Hospital and Medical Center and MultiCare's Tacoma General Hospital. The Rainer and Puget Sound Chapters are working together on this educational offering.

Eastern Chapter – Dee Arkell reports as acting president/secretary, no activity to report due to the resignation of Laurie Trudeau. Focus for the future is the drive to find and provide CEUs for area clinicians. Dee recalled that state sponsored CEUs, as from the chapter, are free from AARC.

Chapter Affairs - Celeste Stubbs has been encouraging all chapters to have a one-day or even ½ day seminar in order to provide CEUs to the practitioners and to get people out to participate. She has been available to help Chapters do this.

Jerry Boos, as the next chapter affairs chairman, advised Chapter presidents to seek out members in their respective chapters to use as resources-people who have held the office, done the work, know the routine. There are such people in each chapter. Contact Jerry, if you need names, and he will provide you with that information.

Committee Reports

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - Gary Wickman suggested another person to volunteer to accompany him to Washington D.C. during PACT session. Carl Hinkson volunteered to do this. The date is the first weekend in March, 2005. This would allow RCSW to cover more congressional offices, meeting with staff there, getting our concerns to them. There is a day of training from AARC and then the legislative representatives set up appointments with congress people or their staff members. Having two people to do this will enhance our effectiveness. There is money in the budget for this. Board approved this action.

Gary set a goal to meet at least once with each chapter to discuss legislative issues and to inform the practitioners who attend the chapter meetings of the legislative activities. He would like one person from each Chapter to be a contact person for Gary to relay the legislative information to. If you are interested, contact Gary.Wickman@providence.org

AARC now has Home Health benefit legislation in both House and Senate and this is expected to be the year that it will pass (2005). It is vitally important for members to contact their representatives, both House and Senate. You can access the “Capital Connection” through RCSW or AARC website to contact Congress and let them know how important it is to get reimbursement for Respiratory Care in the home. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are sponsors in the Senate. House- we will have to check the Capital connection on website to find new people to sponsor this legislation given that the House of Representatives has changed.

Gary is requesting letters from local DME offices (as well as any patients) supporting the Home Health bill, to go to Congress. If you send letters to your House/Senate representatives, please copy to Gary so that he knows of the communication. Gary.Wickman@providence.org

DELEGATE - Garth Arkell has accepted a full-time hospital position so is resigning from delegate office. Bob Bonner, Alternate Delegate, will fill the position until next due for election. Neither Garth nor Bob Bonner can attend the AARC delegate meeting in December. Board nominated and accepted Eric Anderson and Gary Wickman to fill the delegate position for the National Meeting. RCSW budgets funds for this. Jerry will notify Pat Lee (AARC) regarding the change of delegate names.

Several resolutions were distributed to the BOD members and discussion ensued regarding RCSW’s stance on the resolutions. Eric and Gary will vote on the resolutions based on the discussion and any other information that they discover at the meeting.

It was suggested that we get Kevin Shrake as a speaker for our state meeting, with the BOD to meet with him separately at that time.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE - Bob Bonner (co-chair Lauri Stephens not present) presented a report of the 2004 meeting, with multiple graphs and data.

Although this was an expensive meeting, net revenue was approx. $10K. The workload was spread out to involve many people which contributed to the success.

Conference successfully met needs/wants/desires of several distinct groups

1. Exhibitors

2. Members/Nonmembers

3. Educators

4. Guests/Speakers

5. RCSW

6. Student groups

7. Hotel

Items to improve: Parking and lunch. Bob immediately set about to make these issues better for next year. Nail down costs for honorariums and sponsor contributions ahead of time.

Attendance was excellent all three days. The breakout sessions had better than expected attendance. Sleep Medicine (Organized by John Basile) expected 60 w/actual 110. Pulmonary Diagnostics (Organized by Ralph Stumbo) expected 60 w/over 100 attending.

Vendor feedback: mainly, communicate clearly about who is responsible for vendor lunches. Expense makes providing vendor lunches prohibitive.

Conference 2005 – Motion was made to keep Conference on the West side of the state for two years in a row. Motion was passed by the BOD. Bob Bonner and Lauri Stephens have agreed to co-chair this conference, same conference center, Sea-Tac Hilton, May 22-24. Board approved. Bob and Lauri would like to offer a slightly different schedule in order to meet the needs of night shift workers. The board approved this suggestion. Will provide again a Pulmonary Diagnostics-Sunday and Sleep Medicine- Monday, break-out session. Consider specialty section neo/ped or home care depending on room availability and someone stepping up to organize. Sputum bowl was discussed. Again, need someone with a passion to organize this and make it work. Bring AARC speakers and meet with them in closed session. This worked well last year.

Discussed inviting presidents from Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and meeting them to discuss issues in common. RCSW to provide their tuition.

Eric Anderson would like anyone to submit information about new/changed vendors to keep his list current.

Cost of the conference was discussed. Cost/CEU to be in-line with other programs. There are projected 93 1^st-year students and 91 2^nd-year students. It was discussed that their tuition must be at least enough to cover our cost to provide lunch.

Communications

Everyone would like to see the Newsletter go again. Update the information to include submitted articles such as current from Pres., current from legislative, on-line educational opportunities. Poster w/url. developed and distributed to Homecare, places of employment. Suggestion to send a reminder to RT depts that a mailing is coming and to encourage dept leaders to have an RCSW Icon on the desktop for staff to easily access the website.

Use RCSW logo postcards to reply to membership new/renew and reply to registering for educational offerings. Include URL for website and Capital connection, plus link to update contact information on these postcard communications. Newsletter articles can be HTML and then send them to webmaster. Terry and Celeste to build macro of the info for any information that applies.

BYLAWS – Janis sent RCSW bylaws completed to AARC, but we have no response at this time.

SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION

Bob Hirnle will contact schools for papers from students applying for scholarships.

It would be great to increase the scholarship to (1) $1000.00, which would pay for a full quarter. Then provide (4) $250 scholarships for each school. The $250 model is good for need-based. The $1000 is a good “competitive” scholarship. Community Colleges have a foundation, which keeps track of all designated scholarships. It is good to see RCSW in there with nursing scholarships!

Propose 3 $1000 scholarships -Two $1000 for schools -$1000 for furthering education of a chosen practitioner.

Would like to propose for an additional figure of $200 for these things:

Seed grants for research, funding research activities.

One-time allocation expenditure, higher degree in RT for the increase. Proposal for what advanced education would be included.

MEMBERSHIP

Allocate 30 more discounted coupons. Motion seconded and passed. Discuss this in the membership committee. Reward for practitioner of the year.

LONG-RANGE PLANNING

Dennis will plan next board meeting for mid Feb (distance). Continue with Quarterly meetings, two being distance meetings.

Debbie suggested paying for Pres/Pres elect go to National meeting. She felt there should be some incentive for Board, etc, to get to the meeting such as providing a fund for use for those that may need some help getting to national or other places. It was explained that the past process has been that needs are presented to the board and moneys given where needed.

ELECTIONS

Results of the 2005 balloting were announced by Jerry Boos:

President: Dennis Bing

President-elect: Scott Alberts

Vice-President: Debbie Jones

Secretary: Janis Cunningham

Treasurer: Holly Meo

Bod 3 Year: 2007

Celeste Stubbs

Nicki Bly

Bod 2 Year: 2006 to fill vacancy left by Debbie Jones and Holly Meo

Board nominated and unanimously approved:

Dennis Archer

Steve Andersen

Cascade Chapter:

President: Scott Mahoney

Secretary: Pat Bazal

Central Chapter:

President: Bob Patacini

Secretary: Dan Welch

Eastern Chapter:

President: Brian Lee

Secretary: Patti Martin

Puget Sound Chapter:

President: Jon Jahns

Secretary: Carl Hinkson

Rainier Chapter:

President: Judy Hampton

Secretary: Diane Smith-Pfundt

The election results approved by Board and permission given for ballots to be destroyed.

Computerization;

Terry presented Website stats: Much useage, more outside state of WA than inside. Access suggestions accepted-encouraging workplaces to place website Icon on their desktops. Currently there are 3 jobs on the Brainhunters website. Terry encourages HR depts to use and to have job seekers access the site. This is excellent economics for job searching, finding. $105 for 30 days posting. Brainhunter file can be obtained by contacting Webmaster Terry at www.RCSW.org. Send any updates to the webmaster. Meetings, educations, include the info in any mailings about the website. There is a banner notice to encourage people to update their email. It prompts the member to update their email info. Otherwise, we cannot keep the email addresses current.

OLD BUSINESS

Budget

Move to approve the budget, change name of education/scholarship committee to be just scholarship as stated in the Bylaws. Education will be incorporated into other committees as it fits.

Incorporation

RCSW is not incorporated. To be incorporated involves $150 application, no annual fee, registered as non-profit. All that is required is that an annual report be submitted to the state. Motion to apply for incorporation was approved. $150 is in the budget for incorporation

AARC contract

Discussion ensued about Washington state signing the AARC contract. It was moved and accepted that we would sign the contract even though some of the issues are still not clear.

Email voting procedure:

Conducted like face to face w/motions and seconds. HOD does same.

When a motion is proposed via email:

Set a specific time frame for discussion.

Reply to all for the discussion portion.

Votes are to be sent to specific person, not just reply to sender. Ideally, the votes would go to secretary.

They would be counted within the given time frame.

Should we establish a state listserve or BOD listerve?

No action taken at this time, we will just carry on this process until AARC provides a template.

NEW BUSINESS

New officers assume office Jan 1, 2005.

Gavel passed to Dennis Bing who recognized the service of past president, Jerry Boos.

The BOD meeting was adjourned 15:30.

Respiratory Care Society of Washington

Board Meeting Minutes

April 17, 2004

Ellensburg Meeting convened at 1300

Roll Call – Janis Cunningham

Refer to roster, 12 of the 19 board members were present.

Also present: Terry Smith, RCSW Webmaster

Excused: Scott Alberts, Bruce Cox, and Holly Meo

Absent: Pat Cosner, Craig Hilborn, Jim Allen, and Debbie Jones

We had a quorum.

Reading of the Minutes – the minutes of the February 10, 2004 BOD Meeting were read silently and approved with the following discussion:

1. e-votes must be reflected in the minutes

2. Budget was discussed

3. Proposal re: AARC Contract was discussed

4. RCSW supports the Resolution for Tobacco Cessation in Public Areas (Pierce County) – ballot was previously submitted by e-vote.

Treasurer’s Report - Jerry Boos for Scott Alberts

Only the checking account was submitted, with a math error. The error was discussed, corrected to $46,485.08. Noted: there are other outstanding checks. After discussion, this report was approved.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Puget Sound Chapter – Carl Hinkson

1. PSC will be assisting HCC with a one-day educational conference, April 24, 2004: “Current Topics in Respiratory Care”. Flyers have been made available.

2. PSC/Rainier Chapter will be co-sponsoring a Pediatric Conference in June at Jackson Hall (TG/Mary Bridge)

3. In planning: Adult Critical Care Conference in the Fall

Cascade Chapter – Bruce Cox was absent. No report.

Central Chapter – Jim Allen was absent. No report.

Rainier Chapter – Craig Hilborn was absent. No report.

Eastern Chapter – Dee Arkell for Lauri Trudeau

Trying to solicit people to step up to vacated president’s position.

February: John Dunn presented “Leadership” topic; very poorly attended.

March: Kettering review; 45 people attended, including Idaho and Montana.

April: Will repeat “Leadership” in a different venue.

May: Support Annual RCSW Conference

Chapter Affairs – Celeste Stubbs

Using the e-mail addresses, there has been some contact this way.

Committee Reports

LEGISLATIVE – Gary Wickman

Presented a written report with these highlights:

1. PACT: Meeting in Wash DC in February – most were supportive of HB 2905. There are currently 16 CPT codes for RT in the home, but we still can’t do it! Please ask your congress-people to co-sponsor a house bill “Home Care Reimbursement.” There are 16 million people with COPD. The main thrust is to get Medicare to recognize Respiratory Therapy as a profession.

2. PACT goals: We need grass roots representation. The congress-people don’t really know who we are or what we want them to do. Take advantage of speaking with them during “town meetings” when they are home. You carry more clout when you stay within your voting area. Also, join forces with established groups like the Better Breather’s Club, COPD Support Group, Alpha One Antitrypsin Foundation. AND, retired people are a great resource to write letters and be vocal.

3. Washington State Issues: through the concerted efforts of Senator Bob Morton, Bret Fields, and our Lobbyist Nick Federici who worked with the DOH and Sen. Morton, our state license now allows for alternative methods to satisfy the educational requirement. People who have been waiting to get their license should have it by now.

4. Pending Issues: A. RCSW should be vocal for any issues having to do with Non-Smoking in Public Areas. B. Is it possible for computers to be available at our upcoming State Conference RCSW booth to help people write their legislators in support of HB 2905? C. RCSW will obtain a plaque and letter of thanks, and invite Sen. Morton to the state conference for a formal presentation. D. There is a new issue: Can RT’s take telephone orders, particularly for meds? At this point is appears that only RN’s can take t/o for meds. We probably need to get a formal ruling from the state. There is a risk, but this practice is so prevalent and widespread nationwide, it should not be a problem. It would be helpful to get our Medical Director involved for support. The request will be for t/o for pharmacy, limited to our “Scope of Practice”. This does NOT include t/o for vents, trachs, etc. NOTE: AARC has been EXTREMELY helpful for ANYTHING that furthers our profession – esp. Licensure, and participating on the CPT-coding Committee.

DELEGATE – Garth Arkell/Bob Bonner

1. “Substitute Delegate” form was sent to AARC in January or February.

2. E-vote has to occur just like face-to-face, with a verification of voters, keeping track of WHO is voting, including discussion period. Garth reviewed AARC House of Delegates e-vote process. Once it is complete, the e-vote must be reflected in the BOD Minutes. Garth will be able to modify what AARC creates, and present this to our Fall BOD Meeting after the Summer Forum.

Also, e-voting needs to follow our current Bylaws and our Bylaws should be amended to reflect these changes. Certain issues don’t work because they are too complicated or too controversial (i.e.: AARC Contract). In that case, it would be brought to our next BOD Meeting. But a ballot or a proposed budget might be conducive to e-voting.

3. Delegate’s Meeting has been changed from 2 to 2.5 days. This year it will be in Vail, CO. Bob Bonner will attend. (Garth is on vacation.)

PROGRAM – Bob Bonner (for Lauri Stephens)

1. Exhibit Area is being handled by Eric Anderson. There are a total of 55 inside, normal sized spaces (all but 2 are taken.) The overflow will go to the lobby.

2. Significant Sleep Section on Monday, managed by John Basile. John and the vendors are marketing this as good “stand-alone” conference day. Plus, brochures are being sent to ID, MT, and OR sleep centers. It is also posted on the web site. Project 75 – 100 attendees in this section alone.

3. Pulmonary Diagnostic Section is being managed by Ralph Stumbo and Kitty from Tacoma Pulmonary Diagnostics. It is difficult to find free-standing PFT labs, or labs within doctors’ offices. The bigger vendors would know. Projecting about 40 – 50 people.

4. General Session – Lauri Stephens has been managing this, and has a list of GREAT national speakers: Dr. Paul Pepe, Dean Hess, Paul Matthews; also local RRT’s and some political speakers.

5. The Annual Business Meeting – is only 1 hour. Senator Morton will be invited. This needs to be a show – fast-paced, snappy and fun!

6. May 1^st Deadline for $99 room rate.

7. Mail will be sent using the State RCP mailing list; plus large envelopes to send several brochures to hospital (etc.) depts.

8. Financial started with $10,000.

A. Audio-visual is $15,000 alone! Power Point is much more expensive than slide projectors. Plus there are over two rooms simultaneously.

B. Meals are very expensive.

C. Need permission from speakers to post their lectures on the RCSW web site.

D. CEU’s – we are requesting 21 total (7/day) – need to determine where people will pick up their certificates.

9. We need rooms on Sunday for side conferences: Cheryl West and Tracy Hansen will talk to the BOD; Paul Matthews would talk to the Educators; one room could be set up for a reception.

10. A previously suggested recognition for past-presidents will not happen – there was no one, and no time, to pull this together.

Also, there will be no Home Care Section for the same reason.

11. Lauri Stephens MAY be willing to do this again next year – but only if the meeting is in Seattle. She will not oversee eastern Washington. The SeaTac Hilton is very good for travelers; speakers; vendors, attendees. But we will also be considering the DoubleTree near Sea Tac, as it is bigger.

12. E-mail in the Lobby should be accessible to participants for

E-voting,

E-registration for AARC membership,

Checking personal e-mail for attendees who are there for 3 full days,

Sending letters to congressmen;

For $125/day, we can rent a kiosk that has everything.

13. Entertainment

Saturday is a Golf Tournament in Kirkland (9 foursomes so far, but there is space for 52 golfers.)

Sunday will be wine and cheese

Monday Karaoke, Ben Wah, Talent Show, Dance

14. Sputum Bowl will not be happening – no one pulled it together.

15. Clinical Sim Review will happen on Sunday. (Not Kettering.)

16. PLEASE RCSW Leadership – put the best spin on anything untoward that may happen. Think of this as a Customer Service thing – provide AMAZING SERVICE.

Disclaimer: None of these minutes are considered "Official" until approved by the board.

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Transition Meeting – Carl Hinkson planning for Nov 14th, two days in Wenatchee.

Legislative:

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Old Business

New Business

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Business Items

New Business

Transition Meeting

ADDENDUM (10/06/2006) Bob Bonner signed a contract for our 34th Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Respiratory Care Conference for April 28,29, 30 and May 1st, 2007 at the Sea-Tac Double Tree. The exibit area will be open all three days.

Roll Call: A quorum was present

Others Present –

Minutes: Janis Cunningham

Treasurer’s Report: Holly Meo

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

New business: we need to fill the delegate position that Garth left. A call for volunteers reveals Jerry Boos or Eric Anderson. Dennis Bing moved to accept Jerry Boos, to complete Garth’s position. Passed unanimously.

- Program – Bob Bonner/Lauri Stephens

OLD BUSINESS

Chapter Presidents’ Reports

Committee Reports

Transition Meeting – Carl Hinkson planning for Nov 14^th, two days in Wenatchee.

ADDENDUM (10/06/2006) Bob Bonner signed a contract for our 34^th Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Respiratory Care Conference for April 28,29, 30 and May 1^st, 2007 at the Sea-Tac Double Tree. The exibit area will be open all three days.