Section 422.13a - Respiratory therapists(a) Qualifications.--An individual shall be eligible to apply for licensure as a respiratory therapist if that individual satisfies all of the following: (1) Submits evidence satisfactory to the board, on forms approved by the board, that the applicant has met one or more of the following criteria:(i) Has graduated from a respiratory care program approved by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and passed the Certified Respiratory Therapist Examination as determined by the National Board for Respiratory Care.(ii) Holds a valid license, certificate or registration as a respiratory therapist in another state, territory or the District of Columbia which has been issued based on requirements substantially similar to those required by the Commonwealth, including having successfully passed the entry level examination.(2) Has paid a licensure fee as established by the board by regulation.(3) Has proved to the satisfaction of the board that the individual is of good moral character and is not unfit or unable to practice as a respiratory therapist by reason of physical or mental impairment.(a.1) License required.--It shall be unlawful for any individual to hold himself out to the public as a respiratory therapist or to practice or offer to practice respiratory therapy unless the individual holds a valid, current license issued by the board or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.(a.2) Use of title.-- It shall be unlawful for an individual to use the title of "licensed respiratory therapist" or to use the letters "LRT" or "RT" or to hold oneself out as a licensed respiratory therapist unless that individual is licensed to practice respiratory care as provided under this act or the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L. 1109, No. 261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.(b) Licensure without examination.--For a period of two years following the effective date of this act, an individual shall be eligible to apply for licensure without examination if the individual meets the qualifications for licensure under subsection (a) and holds valid certification as a respiratory care practitioner as issued by the board or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.(c) Regulations.--The board is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement this section.(d) Supervision and scope of practice.--A respiratory therapist licensed by the board may implement direct respiratory care to an individual being treated by either a licensed medical doctor or a licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine upon prescription or referral by a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant, or under medical direction and approval consistent with standing orders or protocols of an institution or health care facility. This care may constitute indirect services such as consultation or evaluation of an individual and also includes, but is not limited to, the following services:(1) Administration of medical gases.(2) Humidity and aerosol therapy.(3) Administration of aerosolized medications.(4) Intermittent positive pressure breathing.(5) Incentive spirometry.(6) Bronchopulmonary hygiene.(7) Management and maintenance of natural airways.(8) Maintenance and insertion of artificial airways.(9) Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.(10) Management and maintenance of mechanical ventilation.(11) Measurement of ventilatory flows, volumes and pressures.(12) Analysis of ventilatory gases and blood gases.(e) Exemptions.--This section shall not prevent or restrict the practices, services or activities of:(1) A person licensed or certified in this Commonwealth to provide another health care service, including, but not limited to, physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, physician assistants and podiatrists.(2) A person rendering respiratory care services pursuant to employment by a Federal agency.(3) A person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate in respiratory care in an accredited educational program, if he is clearly designated as a student and provides care under supervision implemented through that program.(4) A person executing or conveying medical orders pursuant to lawful delegation by a physician.(5) A person who, pursuant to lawful delegation by a physician, delivers, installs, monitors or maintains a device which enables an individual to self-administer respiratory care.(6) A person qualified by academic and clinical education to operate extracorporeal circulation equipment in a medical or surgical setting which requires support to or the temporary replacement of a patient's circulatory or respiratory functions.(f) Referrals to State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.--Information or allegations filed with the board against a respiratory therapist licensed by the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine shall be referred to that board for appropriate action.1985, Dec. 20, P.L. 457, No. 112, § 13.1, added 1993, July 2, P.L. 424, No. 60, § 3, effective in 180 days. Amended 2008, July 4, P.L. 580, No. 45, §5, effective in 60 days [ 9/2/2008].