Practice as a licensed respiratory therapist means, upon receipt of written or verbal orders from a qualified practitioner and under qualified medical direction, the evaluation, care and treatment of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. This practice shall include, but not be limited to, ventilatory assistance and support; the insertion of artificial airways without cutting tissue and the maintenance of such airways; the administration of medical gases exclusive of general anesthesia; topical administration of pharmacological agents to the respiratory tract; humidification; and administration of aerosols. The practice of respiratory care shall include such functions shared with other health professionals as cardiopulmonary resuscitation; bronchopulmonary hygiene; respiratory rehabilitation; specific testing techniques required to assist in diagnosis, therapy and research; and invasive and noninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoring.
NOTICE: The following forms used in administering the regulation were filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, General Assembly Building, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
18 Va. Admin. Code § 85-40-70
Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2912.1 of the Code of Virginia.