HB 408

Abstract

Amends the Respiratory Care Practice Act. Makes changes in the definitions of "basic respiratory care activities", "licensed health care professional", and "respiratory care". Allows individuals without a license to practice respiratory care to perform basic screening spirometry if certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Association for Respiratory Care, or other similarly accepted certification programs. Allows respiratory care practitioners licensed in other jurisdictions to provide respiratory care in this State (i) in a declared emergency in this State, (ii) as a member of an organ procurement team, or (iii) as part of a medical transport team that is transporting a patient into or out of this State. Provides that unlicensed and non-credentialed individuals who deliver respiratory care equipment may deliver, set up, calibrate, and demonstrate the mechanical operation of the device to patients, family, and caregivers if the individuals received training and demonstrated competency using the specific devices under the supervision of a respiratory care practitioner licensed by this State or some other licensed practitioner operating within his or her scope of practice. Provides that patients, family, and caregivers must be taught to use the equipment for the intended clinical application by a licensed respiratory care practitioner or other licensed health care professional operating within his or her scope of practice. Provides that instructions to the patient regarding the clinical use of equipment, patient monitoring, patient assessment, or any other procedure used with the intent of evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment must be performed by a respiratory care practitioner licensed by this State or any other licensed practitioner operating within his or her scope of practice. Makes other changes.