Eitel Works to Create Lasting Legislative Change in Utah

Building relationships, winning legislative battles, and creating lasting change take time, but David Eitel, RRT, MHA, MSRT, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, chair of the Utah Respiratory Care State Society Legislative Committee, is taking it one step at a time. He got involved in his state society and the legislative work they were doing to show that “respiratory therapy isn’t just a group of commentators but a profession capable of self-governance and real impact.”

He notes that passing HB 465 in Utah, which allows RTs to work in the ER, was a small but significant step. It physically changed how RTs operate. That success gave Utah members the confidence that legislative wins, even small ones, build momentum for the next big step. His committee’s next goal is to pass the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) within the next year. “If we get the RCIC passed,  it opens doors to prescriptive rights and a broader professional scope, including the APRT.” He believes that with the right lobbying, storytelling, and relationship-building, these goals are within reach. “Change starts with the small wins that build good connections and trust.”