New Legislation Promotes Diversity in Allied Health Professions, Including AARC Respiratory Therapists

IRVING, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2024 / A bill introduced on Monday, April 15, will pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future for allied health professions. Spearheaded by Senators Casey (D-PA), Kaine (D-VA), and Baldwin (D-WI), the "Long-term Care Workforce Support Act" includes crucial provisions to enhance workforce diversity, particularly among underrepresented ethnic backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is one of the organizations also supporting this important Act.

The proposed legislation, incorporating the grant funding for the Workforce Diversity Act, marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing need for a more representative healthcare workforce. Section 208 of the bill establishes a grant program, allocating $10 million over five years, to provide financial support for students pursuing careers in various allied health fields, including respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech-language pathology, and direct care professions.

"This legislation is a testament to our commitment to addressing the workforce shortage and fostering diversity and inclusion in healthcare. By supporting students from diverse backgrounds, we aim to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve," said AARC President, Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC. "The AARC has supported this initiative for quite some time and is happy to see the funding request refreshed with the introduction of the Long-term Care Workforce Support Act."

In addition to Senators Casey, Kaine, and Baldwin, the bill has garnered bipartisan support from Senators Gillibrand (D-NY), and King (I-ME), underscoring the widespread recognition of the importance of workforce diversity in healthcare.

"The inclusion of respiratory therapy among the allied health professions in the bill will help achieve an important strategic objective for AARC to advance and encourage a diverse and underrepresented population to enter the respiratory profession," said Dan Garrett, AARC Executive Director. "We deeply appreciate the bipartisan support from Senators Casey, Kaine, Baldwin, Gillibrand, and King toward this goal."

The legislation aims to ensure that allied health professions better reflect the patient populations they serve. By investing in workforce diversity, policymakers are laying the groundwork for a healthcare system that is equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all individuals. The AARC is happy to endorse the "Long-term Care Workforce Support Act" and work toward its passage.

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About the AARC
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), founded in 1947, is the nation's oldest and largest professional association dedicated to respiratory therapists and health care providers involved in cardiopulmonary care. The AARC strengthens the profession, providing excellence in leadership and education, advancing the art and science of respiratory therapy, and advocating for respiratory therapists, their patients, and caregivers. Fostering a diverse and inclusive membership community worldwide, AARC is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Irving, TX. Learn more about us at www.aarc.org.

Contact Information

Ellen Worsham
Vice President, Marketing and Communication
newsroom@aarc.org

SOURCE: American Association for Respiratory Care

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