Greetings,
This is a reminder that 2021 is a licensure renewal year for licensed SC RCPs; the continuing education timeframe is as noted below, as well as the CE sponsoring organizations, and approved contact hours for such classes as ACLS, PALS, BLS, etc. Please note: the SCSRC is not responsible for licensure renewal in any way. This is presented as information only; any questions, concerns, etc. should be directed to the SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation department, https://llr.sc.gov.

Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) Renewal and Continuing Education Information

1. Continuing Education Timeframe – You must have completed at least thirty (30) hours of continuing education in the RENEWAL PERIOD (June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021).
   RCPs in their FIRST renewal cycle after receiving their initial permanent license are NOT required to complete CME for this renewal period only.
2. Continuing education sponsorship – courses must be approved or sponsored by one of the following organizations:
   1. American Association for Respiratory Care, Inc. or its sponsoring organizations
   2. American Heart Association
   3. Society of Critical Care Medicine
   4. American Lung Association
   5. South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care
   6. Allied Health Education Centers of the South Carolina Consortium of Community Teaching Hospitals (AHEC)
   7. American Thoracic Society
   8. American College of Chest Physicians
   9. American Society of Anesthesiologists
   10. Accredited institutional continuing education programs:
       1. Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
       2. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
3. Approved Number of Contact Hours
   

   BLS Initial	6
   BLS refresher (PHR/PHB BLS, etc.)	3
   PALS Initial (2 day class)	12
   PALS Refresher	6
   ACLS Initial	12
   ACLS Refresher	6
   NRP Initial	6
   NRP Refresher	3

(Source: Ambulatory and Post-Acute Care Section on AARConnect)

This survey has been approved by the AARC for distribution. Please contact the survey proponent, as indicated in the message below, with questions and comments.

The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of burnout syndrome that is characterized by Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), which means that you feel that either you or the outside world is unreal, and reduced Personal Achievement (PA) among Respiratory Therapists. The study will also measure if an association exists between perceived supervisory support and the three dimensions of burnout syndrome (EE, DP, and decreased PA) within the respiratory therapy profession.

We expect that you will be in this research study for 10-15 minutes to complete the surveys. However, you can take as much time as you need to complete it. The primary risk of participation is minimal in nature. The main benefit of participation is the gained information will be helpful to respiratory therapy directors by providing suggested strategies to a healthy work environment that is characterized by adequate supervisory support. This healthy work environment might positively decrease and mitigate the effect of stress and burnout on respiratory therapists and eventually improve patients care.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RRT-AHMAD

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this research project, you can contact the principal investigator, Ahmad Alhaykan at ahmad.alhaykan@student.shu.edu or the Seton Hall University Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) at (973) 761-9334 or irb@shu.edu.

Original post by:
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Amanda Feil, CAE
American Association For Respiratory Care
amanda.feil@aarc.org

We are excited and proud to announce that the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (SCSRC) is the 2020 recipient for the AARC’s prestigious Summit Award. This honor reflects our state’s efforts and achievements in promoting professionalism and growth in the field of respiratory care. To be considered for this esteemed annual award, a state affiliate of the AARC must submit a nomination that outlines and provides supporting documentation showing their activities related to seven specific categories:

• Educational activities
• Membership and recruiting
• Legislation/Advocacy
• Promoting public awareness
• Benefits to members
• Collaboration with other health care organizations
• Student activities

We thank everyone who supported, volunteered and advocated for the respiratory care professional and provided the opportunity to demonstrate our activities in the seven categories while supporting the SCSRC members, patients and students. The last few years have shown many challenges, from inclement weather to fighting a pandemic, yet we continue to shine and excel in our endeavors.

The SCSRC President, Dr. Jerry Alewine accepted the Summit award and shared his excitement and sentiments on the efforts behind receiving this distinction:

“On behalf of the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care and all respiratory therapists in South Carolina, I graciously accept the 2020 Summit Award. As is well appreciated, these past few months have been a very difficult time for healthcare, and in particular, the respiratory therapist. Through it all, we have continued as a profession, thrived as individuals, and will forever be recognized as vital in the fight against the devastation that is COVID-19.

To have been awarded the Summit Award, the diligence and commitment of our respiratory therapist has been recognized. They have endured a pandemic and remained consistent in their demand for exceptional care and the promotion of professionalism. This unique year that will be historically remembered as a time of great confusion, emotional turmoil, and unrelenting chaos that has allowed the profession of respiratory therapy to be spotlighted in a way as never before.

Having the pleasure of serving as president of the SCSRC, I am humbled and thankful for the dedication of the respiratory therapists in the state of South Carolina. Accepting this award, I do so solely as president but by no means the reason for this recognition. I accept on behalf of a state of dedicated professionals that work each day for the care of the patients we serve, promotion of the profession of respiratory therapy, and the commitment to excellence.

Again, thank you AARC and may each of you be blessed with a better day.”

Jerry A Alewine EdD, RRT
President of the SCSRC

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2020… LETTERS OF REFERENCE/RECOMMENDATION ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS [LL/TL]. APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE. IF YOU HAVE A RCP LL/TL APPLICATION PENDING, WE WILL UPDATE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION CHECKLIST TO SHOW THAT YOUR REFERENCES ARE NOT PENDING. PLEASE CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS ONLINE FOR OTHER PENDING ITEMS.

On behalf of the SCSRC Board of Directors and the Election Committee we would like to thank everyone that took part in this process. We would also like to say congratulations and welcome to the incoming 2021 Board members. The results of the election are as follows: