Joseph Goss, MSJ, RRT-NPS, FAARC
The NJ State Licensing Board has proposed a rule change amending the requirement for a follow-up visit by a respiratory care practitioner within 24 hours of home delivery of nebulizer compressors, concentrators, and medical gas cylinders. This change was originally proposed in July 2016 but as a result of comments provided by the NJSRC board and other members, the State reconsidered the elimination of the 24-hour visit. This year’s proposed change will provide for a 72-hour follow up visit in certain cases.
The NJSRC Board of Directors had concerns that removing the follow up visit would result in lower quality patient care and also that RTs could lose their jobs, as a delivery driver would be the one providing setup. The Board will be discussing the new proposed changes at its next board meeting. If you wish to comment on the July 2017 proposed changes, public comments must be submitted by August 18. Details can be found on the Division of Consumer Affairs website on how to email your comments..
That proposal and others date back to July 2016 when the Board reviewed the current regulations. Other changes proposed were related to apnea testing and monitoring, codifying the requirement that a new applicant must complete a certification and authorization form for a criminal history background check, as well as proposals regarding other reinstatement and reactivation requirements.
Another notable change was related to continuing education requirements. The State Board proposed including the American Thoracic Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as acceptable sources of continuing education. Also proposed was the awarding of continuing education credit for instructional activity (teaching), and allowing licensees to attain ten continuing education credits for completing an advanced credentialing examination.
The earning of partial credit for continuing education was also proposed. The rule would provide that after the first hour of continuing education credit was earned, all partial credits could be awarded. While this would be a significant help with building conferences and earning continuing education, with the new law, this regulation will be revisited.
Information on regulatory changes can be found on our website. For additional information on our legislative activities, contact us.
