Follow-up Statement on RT Overnight Coverage to Mayo Clinic Health Systems

June 4, 2026 | 2 min read

Message from AARC Board of Directors

Working with the Minnesota State Respiratory Care Society, AARC recently submitted a letter to Mayo Clinic Health System’s leadership highlighting the impact of recent changes to bedside respiratory care on patient safety and clinical outcomes. AARC’s intent in providing this letter is to express our perspective that bedside assessment and intervention by an RT are irreplaceable in patient care and to invite open discussion. AARC welcomes the opportunity to better understand the goals and considerations behind these changes and to explore how we can collaboratively support care models that maintain the highest standards for patients requiring respiratory services.

Update June 10, 2026

Update on Mayo Clinic Health Systems Overnight RT Coverage

Following AARC’s letter expressing concerns regarding Mayo Clinic Health System’s planned staffing changes, Mayo leadership has agreed to meet with AARC to discuss the issue further. In a written response to AARC, Mayo Clinic leadership stated that the staffing change is limited to three locations within its system and that “overnight support is, and remains, continuously available through on-call respiratory therapists and/or real-time video and phone consultation.” AARC is sharing this information exactly as communicated by Mayo Clinic. AARC continues to have concerns about any reduction in direct respiratory therapist presence at the bedside and its potential implications for patient care and safety. The meeting between AARC and Mayo Clinic is currently being scheduled. AARC looks forward to further discussion and will provide additional updates as appropriate.

Read Open Letter to Mayo Clinic Health Systems

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