On Dec. 7, Governor Bobby Jindal announced appointments to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee.

The Respiratory Care Advisory Committee serves to advise the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners on issues affecting applicants for licensure and regulation of respiratory therapy in the state.

According to statute, the committee is comprised of ten members, subject to senate confirmation. Membership includes the following gubernatorial appointees:

Six licensed respiratory therapists selected from nominations submitted by the Louisiana Society of Respiratory Therapy;

Two physicians engaged in the practice of pulmonary or critical care medicine selected from nominations submitted by the Louisiana State Medical Society;

One hospital administrator selected from nominations submitted by the Louisiana Hospital Association; and

One citizen of Louisiana who is not employed in the delivery of health care.

Appointments to the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee:

Kenneth Alexander, of Baton Rouge, is the vice-president for quality and regulatory activities for the Louisiana Hospital Association and a member of the American Association of Respiratory Care. Alexander was nominated by the Louisiana Hospital Association, and will be appointed to serve as a hospital administrator, as required by statute.

Russell Klein, MD, of New Orleans, is a professor of medicine and the director of special projects at the LSU School of Medicine. Klein was nominated by the Louisiana State Medical Society and will be reappointed to serve as a member engaged in the practice of pulmonary or critical care medicine, as required by statute.