H285 Summary

• Creates two separate license types: respiratory therapist (RT) requiring an associate degree and Certified Respiratory Therapist exam, and respiratory care practitioner (RCP) requiring a baccalaureate degree and Registered Respiratory Therapist exam, effective January 1, 2015.

• Expands the definition of respiratory care practice to include assessment of therapeutic effectiveness of apparatus and allows respiratory therapists to practice under direct supervision of a respiratory care practitioner.

• Grants the Board authority to investigate unlicensed individuals suspected of practicing respiratory care and allows Board employees to issue and serve subpoenas.

• Adds new grounds for license discipline including failure to respond to Board inquiries, substance impairment, practicing outside demonstrated competence, discipline in other jurisdictions, and serious communicable diseases.

• Clarifies that unlicensed persons cannot use titles "respiratory care practitioner," "respiratory therapist," "RCP," "RT," or similar designations, and prohibits employment of unlicensed respiratory care practitioners.