When the 2013 Renewal Cycle is over
If you have not renewed and wish to work, you must now reinstate your license with the KBRC. Reinstatement forms can be found and printed off the Forms and Applications Page of this website.
The KBRC will offer online license renewals starting Nov. 1, 2012 and ending midnight EST. Jan. 30, 2013. The renewal fee is $75.00 paid by check or money order. Online payments have a convenience fee of $5.00 for a total cost of $80.00. The following payment methods will be accepted MasterCard, Visa and ACH Debit. Upon completion of the renewal process, you will receive a printable receipt for your records. An updated renewal card will be mailed to you ASAP and therapists who decide to renew only by mail must contact the KBRC office or print a renewal form from the KBRC website to renew. Once the online renewal window is closed it will not be reopened. Audited therapists will be sent a (No-Payment Needed) audit form requesting copies of CEUs be sent to the KBRC for review starting February 2013. Be aware that the following can keep you from a successful online renewal: CEUs submitted with completion date after Dec. 31, 2012, any felony or misdemeanor, credit card denial, insufficient funds, last second renewing before deadline, a defaulted KHEAA loan or a natural disaster. Be a professional and take care of your renewal early. Thank you.
- Know your expiration date.
- Know your license number.
- Have your CEUs ready to list or send in.
- If you have questions about your status or renewal, call the KBRC office.
FYI for Respiratory Therapists
What to Do if You Have a Conviction?
Every renewal application contains the question, “Have you been charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor since your last renewal of your Kentucky mandatory certification?” Since the Board must review the circumstances of the charge, conviction, or guilty plea, the Board advises you to inform the Board well in advance of your renewal, so that your renewal may be processed without delay. Please send all arrest records and court documents that relate to the misdemeanor or felony and written statement on how the incident occured. If you wait until renewal time to inform the Board of a charge, conviction, or guilty plea, you may have to wait until the next Board meeting before your application may be processed. This may result in a period of unemployment until the matter is concluded.
Warning Signs of Abuse and Dependency
Article by Brian Fingerson RPh
We all know that we may see patients who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Do we recognize them? Can we say we’d recognize this disease in a colleague? If we do recognize it, then what do we do? Let’s begin with a definition and some signs and symptoms:
Addiction to drugs including alcohol:
A primary, chronic, neurobiological disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following:
- Impaired control over drug use
- Compulsive use
- Continued use despite harm
- Craving
Usage Increase - Over time, it is common for individuals taking prescription medications to grow tolerant to the effects of the prescribed dose. Increased dosage often indicates that the original amount is no longer providing relief.
Change in Personality – Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as everyday responsibilities become secondary to the need for relief the prescription provides.
Social Withdrawal – A person experiencing a dependency problem may withdraw from family, friends, and other social interaction.
Ongoing Use – Patients that complain frequently about “still feeling pain” or request to extend a prescription long after the medical condition has improved should be monitored closely. Those who gripe about doctors refusing to write a prescription show signs of dependency.
Going to Great Lengths to Obtain Prescriptions – A dependent person may spend large amounts of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain drugs. Preoccupation with a quest for medication demonstrates that the drug has become a top priority.
Change In Appearance– Personal Hygiene may diminish as a result of the drug addiction. Significant weight loss may occur and glazed eyes may be evident.
Desensitized Emotions - A dependent person may exhibit an attitude of indifference, a lack of emotion, and demonstrate disinterest in things that previously brought them pleasure.
Increased Inactivity -Hobbies and activities no longer provide the enjoyment they used to. Those suffering from dependency may feel lethargic and tend to stop engaging in athletic activities.
Blackouts and Forgetfulness – Another clear indication of dependence is when the person regularly forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering frequent blackouts.
Defensiveness - Abusers who attempt to hide a drug dependency may lash out and become very defensive if they feel their secret is being discovered.
If you recognize any of these signs and symptoms in a colleague, you may refer them for help to the profession’s program that assists those with this disease to get the help needed to treat the disease and then monitor their recovery.
You may call the KY Professionals Recovery Network— Brian Fingerson, RPh, 502-749-8385, or by email for assistance.
Current List of Expired Licensures
Based on 314A.220 of Kentucky Law, individuals with an expired certification shall not be allowed to practice respiratory care in the State of Kentucky.