John & Young Introduce Bill Licensing Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapists

COLUMBUS – This week, State Representatives Marilyn John (R-Richland County) and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) introduced legislation that will license advanced practice respiratory therapists (APRTs). 

This legislation seeks to improve access to cardio-pulmonary care in Ohio through specified knowledge and expertise of APRTs.  Currently, there is large gap between the number of patients in need of cardio-pulmonary care and physicians who have the capability of providing such care. This legislation would bridge that gap and allow more Ohioans to get the help they need.

“The health and safety of Ohioans has always been a priority for me,” said John. “We have the ability to help people struggling with these niche issues, and I am proud to be sponsoring legislation that further allows us to do so.”

APRTs are new, non-physician providers that offer assistance to pulmonary, critical care, and sleep physicians in both adult and pediatric settings. Under this legislation, they would only practice under the supervision of a physician who specializes in these areas and would not be able to prescribe medication. 

“Licensing APRTs will tremendously help physicians with their workload while simultaneously providing proper care for patients,” said John. “Closing this gap is extremely important.”