We renew our respiratory license through the LSBME every year. How many respiratory therapists are completing the Continuing Competency Program requirement through the NBRC prior to their credential expiration date? Is everyone aware of this program? You can view more information through this link: https://www.nbrc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=3ZrWNjZ7F_U%3D&tabid=112.
The link I just listed has a lot of important information, such as:
"Why Do I Need to Comply?
In order to maintain each credential you have earned subject to the CCP, you must follow one of the three methods for compliance. Once credentials expire, they can no longer be used because they are federally registered trademarks that are reserved for the use by those individuals who successfully complete the examination(s) and participate in the mandatory
Continuing Competency Program. This means that any use of this credential designation, whether using it to sign a patient chart or medical document, applying for a state license as an individual holding the credential, or seeking employment as a therapist with the credential,violates the NBRC’s Judicial and Ethics Policies and can result in disciplinary action by the Board.
The status of your credential may also affect your state-issued license to practice respiratory care. Many states require that you hold an active credential in order to maintain your
license. By allowing your credential(s) to expire, you may be putting your license to practice and your livelihood at risk. If you believe your credential is at risk for expiration, you are encouraged to check with your state licensure agency to confirm the requirements of maintaining your license. A directory of all state licensure agencies can be found on our website."
I have come across several people who were not aware of this. I had to renew my RRT credentials since it was making five years and I did not have any problems doing that online. I know that there have been other therapists that kept up with their CEUs yearly for the LSBME but did not realize that they had to also submit that information online to the NBRC.
Taken from the NBRC website:
The only credentials that must meet Continuing Competency Program (CCP) requirements are those earned as of July 1, 2002. These credentials are subject to expiration. If you hold a credential that does not have an expiration date, then it is a lifetime credential and not subject to expiration.
Here is the link to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
http://www.nbrc.org/Home/FAQ/tabid/59/Default.aspx
The main page to the NBRC website is www.nbrc.org.
If anyone else has more information about this topic, please comment on this post. It has been an eye opener to several that were not aware of this information.
