Legislative
The South Dakota Society for Respiratory Care keeps a watch on issues that may have an affect on our patients and our profession. We partner with our lobbyist and actively work with legislators to educate them about the value of the Respiratory Care Practitioner and to ensure our patients receive the quality of care they deserve.
Below are some helpful links to help you participate in federal and local legislation concerning Respiratory Care:
Compact Licensure
AARC is thrilled to announce that 2025 marked the launch of state advocacy efforts for the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) and in 2026 there are exciting advances!
This groundbreaking initiative, developed in collaboration with the Council of State Governments and the Department of Defense, aims to streamline licensure for respiratory therapists across participating states, enhancing patient care and workforce mobility. AARC is calling on its state affiliates to take action.
Thanks to the work of many states, this fall the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) will move to the next step of creating the commission for implementation and making RT interstate mobility a reality! South Dakota stands committed to advocating for respiratory therapists everywhere and are thrilled for the future of the RCIC! Learn about next steps and how you can get involved.
If you would like to join the SDSRC Legislative or Compact Licensure Committee, please reach out to sdsrc.president@gmail.com.
ADVOCATE
In South Dakota, we’re committed to advocating for respiratory therapists and the patients we serve. From working with legislators at the state and federal levels to advance better policies to passing the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, we can all help advance our profession.
Get involved in advocacy efforts by:
✅ Sending an email or writing a letter to your local or national representative on key legislative issues.
✅ Taking part in Washington D.C. Fly-in, June 1-2
✅ Making a difference in shaping the future of respiratory care by highlighting the importance of RTs in your community.
Your voice matters! Join us in advocating for positive change and stronger support for respiratory care.
🔗 Learn more about AARC’s advocacy efforts: https://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/
#AARCAdvocacy #RespiratoryCare #RTsMakeADifference #StateAdvocacy #AARC2026
SDSRC Legislative Team
PACT Representative - Kathy Mitzel
Legislative Chair - Kathy Mitzel
Lobbyist - TBD