A respiratory care practitioner is an individual who practices respiratory care. Respiratory care is the branch or system of treating the sick which is limited to assisting in the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of respiratory disorders by various means, including the administration of medical gases, oxygen therapy, ventilation therapy, artificial airway care, bronchial hygiene therapy, aerosolization of pharmacological agents, respiratory rehabilitation therapy and other treatment, testing, evaluation and rehabilitation procedures performed under the direction of a physician, but not including the use of general anesthetic agents. No person may practice respiratory care, or attempt to do so or make a representation as authorized to do so, without a certificate as a respiratory care practitioner granted by the board.
