D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-7609

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 17-7609 - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

7609.1

A respiratory therapist shall:

(a) Practice medically acceptable methods of treatment;

(b) Present his or her skills, training, scope of practice, certification, professional affiliations, or other qualifications in a manner that is not false or misleading;

(c) Practice only within t he scope of his or her competence, qualifications, a nd any authority under the law;

(d) Continually strive to enhance the knowledge and skill set required to render quality respiratory care to each patient;

(e) Promptly report to the Board any information relating to the incompetent, unsafe, illegal, or unethical practice of respiratory therapy or any violation of the Act or this chapter;

(f) Uphold the dignity and honor of the profession and abide by its ethical principles;

(g) Cooperate with other health care professionals;

(h) Provide all services in a manner that respects the dignity of t he patient, regardless of the patient's social or economic status, personal attributes, or health problems;

(i) Refuse any gift or offer of gift from a patient, or friend or relative of a patient, for respiratory care provided to the patient; and

(j) Abide by the National Clinical Practice Guidelines published by the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) and any subsequent guidelines published by the AARC.

7609.2

A respiratory therapist may utilize communication technology in standard patient care assessment and monitoring provided that the patient has provided written and informed consent specific to this manner of service and that the therapist has determined the following:

(a) This manner of service does not affect the quality of the service;

(b) The technology being used is fully secured and has been determined to safeguard the patient's confidentiality and privacy;

(c) The patient is sufficiently knowledgeable or familiar with the technology such that there would not be any difficulty or barrier to its effective utilization;

(d) This manner of service promotes continuity of care; and

(e) The patient is physically in the District at the time of the service.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-7609

As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 7282 (September 17, 1999); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 011586 (8/30/2019)