Academic Advancement Update – July 2026
The New York State Society for Respiratory Care provided an update on efforts to advance respiratory care education legislation, including virtual lobbying, the loss of a key legislative supporter, plans to introduce two separate bills focusing on a bachelor’s degree requirement and RRT credentialing for licensure, and data demonstrating workforce diversity comparable to other healthcare professions despite differing educational standards.
Updated Response to the NYS Assembly Bill A5337
The New York State Society for Respiratory Care opposes proposed legislation lowering educational standards for polysomnographic technologists, advocating to maintain a minimum associate’s degree due to the critical skills required for patient assessment and therapy management in sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of accredited programs and recommending support for existing degree programs and workforce incentives to address technologist shortages.
Legislative Update Regarding Amended Education Law
Governor Hochel has signed a new bill into law modifying the rules that the New York State Education Department will implement when mailing out registrations for licensees for each profession by means other than mail.