Respiratory Therapists can again use ultrasound in their practice without delegation

Posted on by Kerry-Ann Cummings

Up until Jan. 2019, RTs were permitted to apply soundwaves for the purpose of diagnostic ultrasound under a provision in the Controlled Acts Regulation, provided they had a valid order and the procedure was performed in a public hospital. When Medical Sonography became a regulated profession, that section of the regulation was changed to name specific professions, and this resulted in RTs requiring delegation to use ultrasound in their practice. 

The Ontario Ministry of Health has now amended the Controlled Acts Regulation (s. 7.1 (1) – O. Reg. 107/96 ) to enable Respiratory Therapists to utilize diagnostic ultrasound in their practice under the order of a physician or nurse practitioner. Delegation is no longer required. 

If further information is required, please contact Carole Hamp, RRT – CRTO Registrar & CEO. 

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Portfolio 2022

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

As the 2022 Portfolio has come to a close, it is inspiring to see all the ongoing professional development that RT’s undertake.  In a climate where time is even more precious, and our commitments at work and at home seem at their greatest, the profession continues to excel.  By engaging, you are demonstrating that the care and safety of your patients and clients are at the highest possible standard.

Ongoing education is a legislative requirement of all healthcare professionals, but the thoughtfulness and intention in the Portfolios are impressive and appreciated. 

For those RT’s who are newer to the profession, the Portfolios are carefully reviewed and assessed by a team of trained and dedicated Assessors.  I want to take the time to thank each of them, for also giving their time to their colleagues and the profession by undertaking this role.

This was the first cycle that took place on PDKeepr and subsequently, there are a few notable differences.  The most important one for those submitting this year is that you will receive instant notification, via your email, when your Portfolio has been assessed.  If a coaching session is required, you will be notified of this also, and have the opportunity to review your Assessor’s comments before the session.  Please note that these sessions, which take place over the phone, are an opportunity for the Assessor to further understand your goals and learning activities.   As always, the CRTO welcomes feedback at anytime!

Why RT’s Make the Best Friends

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

Websters Dictionary defines a friend as one attached to another by affection or esteem, and possesses the characteristics of compassion, collaboration, encouragement, and respect. We all need that person who, when times are tough, steps up, not back. The one who can be called day or night, to laugh or to cry, and who’s loyalty is never in question.

When one thinks of the values of friendship, it can so easily be translated in the characteristics that define the profession of Respiratory Therapy and its Members.  As an RT, we belong to an elite group.  With only 4000 Members, and by comparison, there are over 250, 000 Ontario Nurses, RT’s are connected by the unique and dynamic personalities that are attracted to this profession. Demonstrated more than ever in the past few years, RT’s are reliable allies in the trenches, that continue to show up, in solidarity and commitment, both in life and at work. There becomes close camaraderie with shared experiences and many of us can say that our dearest friends also happen to be our co-workers. Whether at work or at home, friends make good times better, and hard times easier. 

And lets be honest, who else share’s our sense of humour??

My Face, My Business?

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

As we hit the two year mark since the day the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, we are now a week away from mask mandates ending for many sectors, schools and public settings in Ontario.  While an overwhelming relief to some, experts are saying that choosing to continue to wear a face covering may be seen as making a statement. No longer a requirement by law, it shifts to individual responsibility and interpretation of risk, be it the result of one’s own personal health, their families or an ethical decision to protect others.  Freedom, political beliefs and ideology may also impact this decision. One can hope that this doesn’t divide us as a community and that we can respect the choices of others, even if they are not the ones we would make ourselves. 

Groundhog Day

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

February brings us Groundhog Day, an 1800’s European tradition, previously known as Badger Day, whereby the animal emerges from its burrow and predicts the arrival of Spring, based on it’s shadow.

The popularity of this day grew with the 1993 movie by the same name, which used “Groundhog Day” as a term that meant repeating something over and over. How fitting, as we enter the third February of the pandemic, repeating this exhaustive and draining cycle, as if stuck on replay.

Along with all healthcare workers, RT’s have felt no reprieve, with each day seemingly replicated from the day prior. When will this end?  Spring must be close.

As Bill Murray said “There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as the groundhog keeps seeing his shadow.  I don’t see any other way out.  He’s got to be stopped.”  

On February 2, 2022, Wiarton Willie, the famous Ontario groundhog, did not see his shadow and therefore has predicted an early spring. 

In history, all pandemics end.  Winter ends. 

Spring will come. 

Scope of Practice

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

This past year has shown us again the dedication and determination of Respiratory Therapists across the province.  In a climate that continues to evolve, so do RT’s.  These dedicated professionals have stepped up to not only provide expert care within their specialty, but also to offer support to their healthcare team friends when human resources are stretched.

It’s important, however, to understand professional and personal scope when RT’s are asked to expand their role.  While the professional scope of practice, as defined by the Respiratory Therapy Act, is broad, each RT has their own personal scope of practice that is influenced by factors such as their role within their specific practice setting.  It is up to individual RT’s to determine their own competency, and ensure that they receive appropriate education and training prior to performing new skills.

The CRTO is always available to assist RT’s with questions they may have regarding this or any other topic.  

Wishing you good health and happiness during the holiday season and for the year to come.

Vaccine Violence

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

The pandemic continues to test our society in unprecedented ways, affecting mental health, our safety and sense of security. Recently, the newest crisis faced by our healthcare community and hospitals, is not that of the virus itself, but rather the increasing harassment, threats, and violence at the hands of anti-vaxxers and those opposing public health guidelines.

 These targeted attacks take the form of racism, character assassinations, baseless professional complaints, and even physical assaults, and are directed at those who choose to speak up in the media, online and in public forums.  While peaceful demonstration is a democratic right, these recent actions outside of hospitals have crossed the line into unlawful behavior, and at times, criminal activity. These protests are acts of intimidation and bullying, and are a demoralizing attempt to silence those who do not share the same views.  It is unacceptable, and intolerable.

For healthcare professionals who have battled this virus, working through extraordinary times, and who continue to show up day after day, this harassment exacerbates the exhaustion, uncertainty, and mental health concerns that they have experienced and continue to experience.  We need to stand with them in support and insist that they receive the protection and security they deserve.

Violence is never the answer to a difference in opinion.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

This past week, the CRTO staff and Council Members participated in Indigenous Corporate training, ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This interactive presentation provided a safe space to learn and dialogue, as we listened to our speaker tell truths and history from his past, and those of the 605 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Canada. 

We gained further insight on inclusion, and respectful language as we added to our knowledge of their legacy, and the social injustices that faced, and still face, the Indigenous community.  While learning about treaties, the residential school systems and cultures, we discussed change, while we reflected on our own actions, abilities, and contributions to solutions. 

As health care professionals, this type of education is just one way to begin to understand the vast variety of historical and cultural layers that may impact our patients and their families.  

For more information and support, please visit: TRC Website – NCTR

The offices of the College of Respiratory Therapists are located on Treaty 13 territory,

the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Huron-wendat and Mississaugas of the New Credit.

Vaccination Disclosure? A question of many questions

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

As a follow up to June’s blog regarding mandatory vaccinations, the question arises whether a healthcare worker should be required to declare their vaccination status to their employers or to their patients.  Currently, vaccination disclosure is generally not required, primarily due to privacy rights.  However, it certainly does pose many ethical concerns, and one that some have a strong opinion about.  How would employers store, protect and use this information? Is there a possibility of facing disciplinary action, discrimination, or judgement if you remain unvaccinated? 

On the flip side, do patients deserve to make an informed decision in selecting a healthcare provider who choices surrounding vaccination reflects their own? Could a private practice health care provider decline to treat those who have not been vaccinated?  There is a potential for conflict between a patient/client and a healthcare provider if their views do not align.  Regardless, RT’s are required under the CRTO Standards of Practice to “Provide care, including product and services, to patients/clients without discrimination on any basis, and respect the rights and dignity of all individuals”

As long as Covid continues to infiltrate so much of our personal and professional lives, we will continue to have these discussions.

Mandatory Vaccinations

Posted on by Kelly Arndt

Can Employers Mandate the Covid Vaccine?

In a Canadian Medical Association Journal article published this year (link to full document below), the topic of mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers was examined. 

In many US states, employers have initiated policy that requires their employees to be immunized against the Covid virus, with the penalty of suspension or even termination, for noncompliance.

The authors of this article are suggesting that rather than individual employers setting policy, which would have a greater risk of not withstanding legal challenge, that the Canadian government enact provincial wide mandates. There would be appropriate exemptions due to pre-existing health conditions or religious objection, however, vaccine skepticism would not be an acceptable reason.  This article goes on to state that termination would likely be contrary to the Charter, and that unpaid leave would be a more appropriate penalty.

Currently vaccinations are voluntary, so it is uncertain if the government will take the route these authors discussed.  If left up to employers, there is a need to balance safety against an individuals personal choice and human rights, to maintain a safe workplace.

In a recent poll of 30 long-term care and retirement homes in Southwestern Ontario, 21% of front-line health care workers stated they would not be getting vaccinated.

The issue of defense through the proper use of PPE, the ability to social distance and specific workplace settings may surface, and evidence to this challenge is still emerging. 

For further information regarding this article: Mandatory vaccination for health care workers: an analysis of law and policy (cmaj.ca)