Clinical Report: AARC Advocates for Respiratory Care Legislation

Overview

The AARC's annual Respiratory Care Fly-In resulted in advocacy for the SOAR Act and AIR Act, aimed at improving access to supplemental oxygen and preventive respiratory services.

Background

Access to respiratory care services is vital for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Legislative initiatives like the SOAR Act and AIR Act are designed to address barriers to care.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data is provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• The SOAR Act aims to improve access to medically necessary supplemental oxygen for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
• The AIR Act would authorize respiratory therapists to bill Medicare for tobacco cessation counseling services.
• Nearly 100 respiratory therapists and advocates participated in the AARC's Fly-In to meet with lawmakers.
• Several members of Congress agreed to co-sponsor the SOAR Act as a result of advocacy efforts.

Clinical Implications

The advocacy for the SOAR and AIR Acts highlights the importance of legislative support in improving access to respiratory care. Healthcare professionals should stay informed about these initiatives to better advocate for their patients' needs.

Conclusion

The AARC's efforts in Washington, D.C. represent a significant push towards improving respiratory health policies. Continued advocacy is essential for advancing legislation that benefits patients with chronic lung diseases.

Related Resources & Content

1. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) — AARC Celebrates Reintroduction of the SOAR Act
2. All Info - S.1406 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): SOAR Act of 2025 | Congress.gov
3. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) — Next Steps for RCIC Implementation
4. The New Gastroenterologist — AGA Advocates, Including Patients and Physicians, Lobby for Reform of Prior Authorization on Capitol Hill
5. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) — AARC Statement on RT Overnight Coverage
6. The ASCO Post — ASCO Members Advocate for Key Cancer Care Priorities at Home and on Capitol Hill
7. https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pocket-Guide-2025-v1.0-12Nov2024_WMV-Draft.pdf
8. Continuous or nocturnal oxygen therapy in hypoxemic chronic obstructive lung disease: a clinical trial. Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial Group - PubMed
9. NCA - Home Use of Oxygen and Home Oxygen Use to Treat Cluster Headaches (CAG-00296R2) - Decision Memo
10. All Info - S.1406 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): SOAR Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
11. AARC Celebrates Reintroduction of the SOAR Act - AARC | RC Central