Respiratory Therapists

If you did not renew, you do not work!

The KBRC 2008 Online Renewal Window is now closed. It will not be reopened. Be aware that the following can not be used as an excuse for not renewing: Any felony or misdemeanor, credit card denial, insufficient funds, last second renewing before deadline, a defaulted KHEAA loan or a natural disaster.     
Therapists should be aware that while you may have renewed online with the KBRC, you must first obtain confirmation of your renewal status from the KBRC office before you can work past the January 30th deadline. Confirmation can be obtained by presenting your I.D. to your HR or Supervisor of respiratory depts. You may also print out an official verification document from the KBRC website once the new status of the license is available. The document will require payment of $16 dollars and can be used until your new card arrives, should you need proof of verification for work purposes.

Your renewal will no longer be allowing carryovers. (CEU hours that are beyond required credit.)

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.
Check these listings to see if you have expired and Terminated in 2008.

2008 Expired Therapist Listings

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.  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 email @ kyprn@insightbb.com for assistance.