Section 216-RICR-40-05-16.4 - Licensure Requirements for Respiratory Care Practitioners16.4.1General RequirementsA. No person shall practice respiratory care or represent himself or herself to be a respiratory care practitioner in this state without a valid license, issued by the Department in accordance with the Act and this Part, except as otherwise provided in R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-39-4. 1. No person shall use any title or abbreviation to indicate that he or she is a licensed respiratory care practitioner unless licensed as a respiratory care practitioner under the statutory and regulatory provisions of this Part.16.4.2Qualifications for LicensureA. In addition to the qualifications of licensure to practice respiratory care in this state as defined in R.I. Gen Laws § 23-39-7, an applicant shall present evidence that he/she: 1. Has successfully passed the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) entry-level examination;2. Holds an active certificate as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or hold an active certificate as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).16.4.3Application for Licensure and FeesA. Any applicant desiring to become licensed as a respiratory care practitioner in this state shall make application to the Board on forms provided by the Department. Said form shall be completed and shall be accompanied by the following: 1. Supporting certified transcripts of education credentials as required in R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-39-7. Such documentation must consist of original statements and/or photocopies bearing the signature of the dean or director of the respiratory care training program and the imprint of the school seal or other supporting documentation as approved by the Board;2. The results of the entry-level examination submitted to the Department directly by the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level examination or copy of active certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or copy of active certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC);3. A non-returnable, non-refundable license fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title).B. Endorsement: Applicants for licensure by endorsement, in addition to the documents required in §16.4.3(A) of this Part, shall also provide verification of licensure in good standing from all states where they hold or have held a license as a respiratory care practitioner.16.4.4ExaminationA. By Examination: Applicants shall be required to pass the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level examination to test the applicant's knowledge and skills to practice respiratory care in this state pursuant to the statutory and regulatory provisions.B. By Re-Examination: An applicant who fails to successfully pass the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level examination may be entitled to re-examination in accordance with the policies of the National Board for Respiratory Care Examiners.16.4.5Temporary PermitRespiratory care providers who are licensed or otherwise regulated to practice under the laws of another state or territory or the District of Columbia, and who have applied for licensure in this state, may, upon receiving an authorization from the Division, perform as a respiratory care practitioner under the supervision of a qualified and licensed respiratory care practitioner until such time as he/she is licensed. If such applicant fails to receive licensure when the Board reviews the application, all aforementioned privileges shall automatically cease upon notice to the applicant.
216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-40-05-16.4