HF 1077
1st Committee Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010)
Posted on 03/19/2013 07:28 p.m.
KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
1.2relating to health occupation; licensing respiratory therapists;amending
1.3Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 147C.01; 147C.05; 147C.10; 147C.15;
1.4147C.20; 147C.25; 147C.30; 147C.35; 147C.40.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.01, is amended to read:
1.7147C.01 DEFINITIONS.
1.8 Subdivision 1. Applicability. The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.
1.9 Subd. 2. Advisory council. "Advisory council" means the Respiratory Care
1.10Practitioner Advisory Council established under section
147C.35 .
1.11 Subd. 3. Approved education program. "Approved education program" means a
1.12university, college, or other postsecondary education program leading to eligibility for
1.13registry or certification in respiratory care, that, at the time the student completes the
1.14program, is accredited by a national accrediting organization approved by the board.
1.15 Subd. 4. Board. "Board" means the Board of Medical Practice or its designee.
1.16 Subd. 5. Contact hour. "Contact hour" means an instructional session of 50
1.17consecutive minutes, excluding coffee breaks, registration, meals without a speaker, and
1.18social activities.
1.19 Subd. 6. Credential. "Credential" means a license, permit, certification, registration,
1.20or other evidence of qualification or authorization to engage in respiratory care practice in
1.21this state or any other state.
1.22 Subd. 7. Credentialing examination. "Credentialing examination" means an
1.23examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Careor other national
1.24testing organization approved by the board, its successor organization, or the Canadian
2.1Society for Respiratory Care for credentialing as acertified respiratory therapy technician,
2.2registered respiratory therapist, or other title indicating an entry or advanced level
2.3respiratory care practitioner.
2.4 Subd. 8. Health care facility. "Health care facility" means a hospital as defined in
2.5section144.50, subdivision 2 , a medical facility as defined in section
144.561, subdivision
2.61 , paragraph (b), or a nursing home as defined in section
144A.01, subdivision 5 , a
2.7long-term acute care facility, a subacute care facility, an outpatient clinic, a physician's
2.8office, a rehabilitation facility, or a hospice.
2.9 Subd. 9. Qualified medical direction. "Qualified medical direction" means
2.10direction from a licensed physician who is on the staff or is a consultant of a health care
2.11facility or home care agency or home medical equipment provider and who has a special
2.12interest in and knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of deficiencies, abnormalities,
2.13and diseases of the cardiopulmonary system.
2.14 Subd. 10. Respiratory care. "Respiratory care" means the provision of services
2.15described under section147C.05 for the assessment, treatment, education, management,
2.16evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the
2.17cardiopulmonary system, under theguidance of qualified medical direction supervision of
2.18a physician and pursuant to a referral, or verbal, written, or telecommunicated order from
2.19a physicianwho has medical responsibility for the patient, nurse practitioner, or physician
2.20assistant.It Respiratory care includes, but is not limited to, education pertaining to health
2.21promotion,and disease prevention and management, patient care, and treatment.
2.22 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.05, is amended to read:
2.23147C.05 SCOPE OF PRACTICE.
2.24(a) The practice of respiratory care by aregistered licensed respiratory care
2.25practitioner therapist includes, but is not limited to, the following services:
2.26(1) providing and monitoring therapeutic administration of medical gases, aerosols,
2.27humidification, and pharmacological agents related to respiratory care procedures, but not
2.28including administration of general anesthesia;
2.29(2) carrying out therapeutic application and monitoring of mechanical ventilatory
2.30support;
2.31(3) providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural airways and
2.32insertion and maintenance of artificial airways;
2.33(4) assessing and monitoring signs, symptoms, and general behavior relating to, and
2.34general physical response to, respiratory care treatment or evaluation for treatment and
3.1diagnostic testing, including determination of whether the signs, symptoms, reactions,
3.2behavior, or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics;
3.3(5) obtaining physiological specimens and interpreting physiological data including:
3.4(i) analyzing arterial and venous blood gases;
3.5(ii) assessing respiratory secretions;
3.6(iii) measuring ventilatory volumes, pressures, and flows;
3.7(iv) testing pulmonary function;
3.8(v) testing and studying the cardiopulmonary system; and
3.9(vi) diagnostic and therapeutic testing of breathing patterns related to sleep disorders;
3.10(6) assisting hemodynamic monitoring and support of the cardiopulmonary system;
3.11(7) assessing and making suggestions for modifications in the treatment regimen
3.12based on abnormalities, protocols, or changes in patient response to respiratory care
3.13treatment;
3.14(8) providing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including respiratory-care related
3.15educational components, postural drainage, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises,
3.16aerosolized administration of medications, and equipment use and maintenance;
3.17(9) instructing patients and their families in techniques for the prevention, alleviation,
3.18and rehabilitation of deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the cardiopulmonary
3.19system;and
3.20(10) transcribing and implementing verbal, written, or telecommunicated orders from
3.21a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant orders for respiratory care services;
3.22(11) tobacco cessation and prevention programs; and
3.23(12) disease management programs, including but not limited to, asthma and chronic
3.24obstructive pulmonary disease.
3.25(b) Patient service by a practitioner must be limited to:
3.26(1) services within the training and experience of the practitioner; and
3.27(2) services within the parameters of the laws, rules, and standards of the facilities in
3.28which the respiratory care practitioner practices.
3.29(c) Respiratory care services provided by a registered respiratory care practitioner,
3.30whether delivered in a health care facility or the patient's residence, must not be provided
3.31except upon referral from a physician.
3.32(b) This section does not prohibit a respiratory therapist from performing advances
3.33in the art and techniques of respiratory care learned through formal or specialized training
3.34as approved by the Respiratory Care Advisory Council.
3.35(d) (c) This section does not prohibit an individual licensed or registered credentialed
3.36as a respiratory therapist in another state or country from providing respiratory care in an
4.1emergency in this state, providing respiratory care as a member of an organ harvesting
4.2team, or from providing respiratory care on board an ambulance as part of an ambulance
4.3treatment team.
4.4 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.10, is amended to read:
4.5147C.10 UNLICENSED PRACTICE PROHIBITED; PROTECTED TITLES
4.6AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE.
4.7 Subdivision 1. Protected titles.No individual may A person who does not hold
4.8a license or temporary permit under this chapter as a respiratory therapist or whose
4.9license or permit has lapsed, been suspended, or revoked may not use the title "Minnesota
4.10registered licensed respiratory care practitioner therapist," "registered licensed respiratory
4.11care practitioner therapist," "respiratory care practitioner," "respiratory therapist,"
4.12"respiratory therapy (or care) technician," "inhalation therapist," or "inhalation therapy
4.13technician," or use, in connection with the individual's name, the letters"RCP," "RT" or
4.14"LRT" or any other titles, words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying
4.15that the individual is eligible forregistration licensure by the state as a respiratory care
4.16practitioner therapist unless the individual has been registered licensed as a respiratory
4.17care practitioner therapist according to this chapter.
4.18 Subd. 1a. Unlicensed practice prohibited. No person shall practice respiratory
4.19care unless the person is licensed as a respiratory therapist under this chapter except
4.20as otherwise provided under this chapter.
4.21 Subd. 2. Other health care practitioners. (a)Nonphysician individuals practicing
4.22in a health care occupation or profession are not restricted in the provision of services
4.23included in section
147C.05, as long as they do not hold themselves out as respiratory care
4.24practitioners by or through the use of the titles provided in subdivision 1 in association
4.25with provision of these services. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the practice of any
4.26profession or occupation licensed or registered by the state by any person duly licensed or
4.27registered to practice the profession or occupation or to perform any act that falls within
4.28the scope of practice of the profession or occupation.
4.29(b)Physician practitioners are exempt from this chapter.
4.30(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require registration of a respiratory
4.31care license for:
4.32(1) arespiratory care practitioner student enrolled in a respiratory therapy or
4.33polysomnography technology education program accredited by the Commission on
4.34Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, its successor organization, or another
4.35national recognized accrediting organizationapproved by the board; and
5.1(2) a respiratorycare practitioner employed in the service of the federal government
5.2therapist as a member of the United States armed forces while performing duties incident
5.3to thatemployment. duty;
5.4(3) an individual employed by a durable medical equipment provider or home
5.5medical equipment provider who delivers, sets up, or maintains respiratory care
5.6equipment, but does not perform assessment, education, or evaluation of the patient;
5.7(4) self-care by a patient or gratuitous care by a friend or relative who does not
5.8purport to be a licensed respiratory therapist; or
5.9(5) an individual employed in a sleep lab or center as a polysomnographic
5.10technologist under the supervision of a licensed physician.
5.11 Subd. 3. Penalty. A person who violatessubdivision 1 this section is guilty of a
5.12gross misdemeanor.
5.13 Subd. 4. Identification ofregistered licensed practitioners. Respiratory care
5.14practitioners registered therapists licensed in Minnesota shall wear name tags that identify
5.15them as respiratorycare practitioners therapists while in a professional setting. If not
5.16written in full, this must be designated asRCP "RT" or "LRT". A student attending a an
5.17accredited respiratory therapytraining education program or a tutorial intern program
5.18must be identified as a student respiratorycare practitioner therapist. This abbreviated
5.19designation is StudentRCP RT. Unregulated individuals who work in an assisting
5.20respiratory role under the supervision of respiratorycare practitioners therapists must be
5.21identified as respiratorycare therapy assistants or aides.
5.22 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.15, is amended to read:
5.23147C.15REGISTRATION LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
5.24 Subdivision 1. General requirements forregistration licensure. To be eligible
5.25forregistration a license, an applicant, with the exception of those seeking registration
5.26licensure by reciprocity under subdivision 2, must:
5.27(1) submit a completed application on forms provided by the board along with all
5.28fees required under section147C.40 that includes:
5.29(i) the applicant's name, Social Security number, home address, e-mail address, and
5.30telephone number, and business address and telephone number;
5.31(ii) the name and location of the respiratorycare therapy education program the
5.32applicant completed;
5.33(iii) a list of degrees received from educational institutions;
5.34(iv) a description of the applicant's professional training beyond the first degree
5.35received;
6.1(v) the applicant's work history for the five years preceding the application, including
6.2the average number of hours worked per week;
6.3(vi) a list of registrations, certifications, and licenses held in other jurisdictions;
6.4(vii) a description of any other jurisdiction's refusal to credential the applicant;
6.5(viii) a description of all professional disciplinary actions initiated against the
6.6applicant in any jurisdiction; and
6.7(ix) any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and any misdemeanor or felony conviction;
6.8(2) submit a certificate of completion from an approved education program;
6.9(3) achieve a qualifying score on a credentialing examination within five years
6.10prior to application for registration;
6.11(4) submit a verified copy of a valid and current credential, issued by the National
6.12Board for Respiratory Care or other board-approved national organization, as a certified
6.13respiratorytherapy technician therapist, registered respiratory therapist, or other entry or
6.14advanced level respiratorycare practitioner therapist designation;
6.15(5) submit additional information as requested by the board, including providing
6.16any additional information necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to practice with
6.17reasonable skill and safety to the public;
6.18(6) sign a statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the
6.19best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and
6.20(7) sign a waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records
6.21in this or any other state in which the applicant has completed an approved education
6.22program or engaged in the practice of respiratorycare therapy.
6.23 Subd. 2.Registration Licensure by reciprocity. To be eligible for registration
6.24licensure by reciprocity, the applicant must be credentialed by the National Board for
6.25Respiratory Care or other board-approved organization and have worked at least eight
6.26weeks of the previous five years as a respiratorycare practitioner therapist and must:
6.27(1) submit the application materials and fees as required by subdivision 1, clauses
6.28(1), (4), (5), (6), and (7);
6.29(2) provide a verified copy from the appropriate government body of a current and
6.30unrestricted credential or license for the practice of respiratorycare therapy in another
6.31jurisdiction that has initial credentialing requirements equivalent to or higher than the
6.32requirements in subdivision 1; and
6.33(3) provide letters of verification from the appropriate government body in each
6.34jurisdiction in which the applicant holds a credential or license. Each letter must state the
6.35applicant's name, date of birth, credential number, date of issuance, a statement regarding
7.1disciplinary actions, if any, taken against the applicant, and the terms under which the
7.2credential was issued.
7.3 Subd. 3. Temporary permit. The board may issue a temporary permit to practice
7.4as a respiratorycare practitioner therapist to an applicant eligible for registration
7.5licensure under this section if the application forregistration licensure is complete, all
7.6applicable requirements in this section have been met, and a nonrefundable fee set by
7.7the board has been paid. The permit remains valid only until the meeting of the board
7.8at which a decision is made on the respiratorycare practitioner's therapist's application
7.9forregistration licensure.
7.10Subd. 4. Temporary registration. The board may issue temporary registration as a
7.11respiratory care practitioner for a period of one year to an applicant for registration under
7.12this section if the application for registration is complete, all applicable requirements
7.13have been met with exception of completion of a credentialing examination, and a
7.14nonrefundable fee set by the board has been paid. A respiratory care practitioner with
7.15temporary registration may qualify for full registration status upon submission of verified
7.16documentation that the respiratory care practitioner has achieved a qualifying score on a
7.17credentialing examination within one year after receiving temporary registration status.
7.18Temporary registration may not be renewed.
7.19Subd. 5. Practice limitations with temporary registration. A respiratory care
7.20practitioner with temporary registration is limited to working under the direct supervision
7.21of a registered respiratory care practitioner or physician able to provide qualified medical
7.22direction. The respiratory care practitioner or physician must be present in the health care
7.23facility or readily available by telecommunication at the time the respiratory care services
7.24are being provided. A registered respiratory care practitioner may supervise no more than
7.25two respiratory care practitioners with temporary registration status.
7.26 Subd. 6.Registration License expiration. Registrations Licenses issued under this
7.27chapter expire annually.
7.28 Subd. 7. Renewal. (a) To be eligible forregistration license renewal a registrant
7.29licensee must:
7.30(1) annually, or as determined by the board, complete a renewal application on a
7.31form provided by the board;
7.32(2) submit the renewal fee;
7.33(3) provide evidence every two years of a total of 24 hours of continuing education
7.34approved by the board as described in section147C.25 ; and
8.1(4) submit any additional information requested by the board to clarify information
8.2presented in the renewal application. The information must be submitted within 30 days
8.3after the board's request, or the renewal request is nullified.
8.4(b) Applicants for renewal who have not practiced the equivalent of eight full weeks
8.5during the past five years must achieve a passing score on retaking the credentialing
8.6examination, or complete no less than eight weeks of advisory council-approved
8.7supervised clinical experience having a broad base of treatment modalities and patient care.
8.8 Subd. 8. Change of address. Aregistrant licensee who changes addresses must
8.9inform the board within 30 days, in writing, of the change of address. All notices or
8.10other correspondence mailed to or served on aregistrant licensee by the board at the
8.11registrant's licensee's address on file with the board shall be considered as having been
8.12received by theregistrant licensee.
8.13 Subd. 9.Registration License renewal notice. At least 30 days before the
8.14registration license renewal date, the board shall send out a renewal notice to the last
8.15known address of theregistrant licensee on file. The notice must include a renewal
8.16application and a notice of fees required for renewal. It must also inform theregistrant
8.17licensee thatregistration the license will expire without further action by the board if an
8.18application forregistration license renewal is not received before the deadline for renewal.
8.19Theregistrant's licensee's failure to receive this notice shall not relieve the registrant
8.20licensee of the obligation to meet the deadline and other requirements forregistration
8.21license renewal. Failure to receive this notice is not grounds for challenging expiration of
8.22registered licensure status.
8.23 Subd. 10. Renewal deadline. The renewal application and fee must be postmarked
8.24on or before July 1 of the year of renewal or as determined by the board. If the postmark is
8.25illegible, the application shall be considered timely if received by the third working day
8.26after the deadline.
8.27Subd. 11. Inactive status and return to active status. (a) A registration may be
8.28placed in inactive status upon application to the board by the registrant and upon payment
8.29of an inactive status fee.
8.30(b) Registrants seeking restoration to active from inactive status must pay the current
8.31renewal fees and all unpaid back inactive fees. They must meet the criteria for renewal
8.32specified in subdivision 7, including continuing education hours equivalent to one hour for
8.33each month of inactive status, prior to submitting an application to regain registered status.
8.34If the inactive status extends beyond five years, a qualifying score on a credentialing
8.35examination, or completion of an advisory council-approved eight-week supervised
8.36clinical training experience is required. If the registrant intends to regain active registration
9.1by means of eight weeks of advisory council-approved clinical training experience, the
9.2registrant shall be granted temporary registration for a period of no longer than six months.
9.3 Subd. 12.Registration Licensure following lapse of registration licensed status
9.4for two years or less. For any individual whoseregistration status license has lapsed for
9.5two years or less, to regainregistration status a license, the individual must:
9.6(1) apply forregistration license renewal according to subdivision 7;
9.7(2) document compliance with the continuing education requirements of section
9.8147C.25
since the registrant's licensee's initial registration licensure or last renewal; and
9.9(3) submit the fees required under section147C.40 for the period not registered
9.10licensed, including the fee for late renewal.
9.11 Subd. 13. Cancellation due to nonrenewal. The board shall not renew, reissue,
9.12reinstate, or restore aregistration license that has lapsed and has not been renewed within
9.13two annualregistration renewal cycles starting July 1997. A registrant licensee whose
9.14registration license is canceled for nonrenewal must obtain a new registration license by
9.15applying forregistration licensure and fulfilling all requirements then in existence for
9.16initialregistration licensure as a respiratory care practitioner therapist.
9.17 Subd. 14. Cancellation ofregistration license in good standing. (a) A registrant
9.18licensee holding an activeregistration license as a respiratory care practitioner therapist in
9.19the state may, upon approval of the board, be grantedregistration license cancellation if
9.20the board is not investigating the person as a result of a complaint or information received
9.21or if the board has not begun disciplinary proceedings against theregistrant licensee.
9.22Such action by the board shall be reported as a cancellation ofregistration a license in
9.23good standing.
9.24(b) Aregistrant licensee who receives board approval for registration license
9.25cancellation is not entitled to a refund of anyregistration licensure fees paid for the
9.26registration license year in which cancellation of the registration license occurred.
9.27(c) To obtainregistration a license after cancellation, a registrant licensee must
9.28obtain a newregistration license by applying for registration licensure and fulfilling the
9.29requirements then in existence for obtaining initialregistration licensure as a respiratory
9.30care practitioner therapist.
9.31 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.20, is amended to read:
9.32147C.20 BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FORREGISTRATION
9.33LICENSURE.
9.34(a) The board shall act on each application forregistration licensure according
9.35to paragraphs (b) to (d).
10.1(b) The board shall determine if the applicant meets the requirements forregistration
10.2licensure under section147C.15 . The board or advisory council may investigate
10.3information provided by an applicant to determine whether the information is accurate
10.4and complete.
10.5(c) The board shall notify each applicant in writing of action taken on the application,
10.6the grounds for denyingregistration licensure if registration licensure is denied, and the
10.7applicant's right to review under paragraph (d).
10.8(d) Applicants deniedregistration licensure may make a written request to the
10.9board, within 30 days of the board's notice, to appear before the advisory council or its
10.10designee and for the advisory council to review the board's decision to deny the applicant's
10.11registration licensure. After reviewing the denial, the advisory council shall make a
10.12recommendation to the board as to whether the denial shall be affirmed. Each applicant is
10.13allowed only one request for review per yearlyregistration licensure period.
10.14 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.25, is amended to read:
10.15147C.25 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
10.16 Subdivision 1. Number of required contact hours. Two years after the date
10.17of initialregistration licensure, and every two years thereafter, a registrant licensee
10.18applying forregistration license renewal must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours
10.19of board-approved continuing education in the two years precedingregistration license
10.20renewal and attest to completion of continuing education requirements by reporting to
10.21the board.
10.22 Subd. 2. Approved programs. The board shall approve continuing education
10.23programs that have been approved for continuing education credit by the American
10.24Association of Respiratory Care or the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care or their
10.25successor organizations. The board shall also approve programs substantially related to
10.26respiratorycare therapy that are sponsored by an accredited university or college, medical
10.27school, state or national medical association, national medical specialty society, or that are
10.28approved for continuing education credit by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
10.29 Subd. 3. Approval of continuing education programs. The board shall also
10.30approve continuing education programs that do not meet the requirements of subdivision 2
10.31but that meet the following criteria:
10.32(1) the program content directly relates to the practice of respiratorycare therapy;
10.33(2) each member of the program faculty is knowledgeable in the subject matter as
10.34demonstrated by a degree from an accredited education program, verifiable experience in
11.1the field of respiratorycare therapy, special training in the subject matter, or experience
11.2teaching in the subject area;
11.3(3) the program lasts at least one contact hour;
11.4(4) there are specific, measurable, written objectives, consistent with the program,
11.5describing the expected outcomes for the participants; and
11.6(5) the program sponsor has a mechanism to verify participation and maintains
11.7attendance records for three years.
11.8 Subd. 4. Hospital, health care facility, or medical company in-services. Hospital,
11.9health care facility, or medical company in-service programs may qualify for continuing
11.10education credits provided they meet the requirements of this section.
11.11 Subd. 5. Accumulation of contact hours. Aregistrant licensee may not apply
11.12contact hours acquired in one two-year reporting period to a future continuing education
11.13reporting period.
11.14 Subd. 6. Verification of continuing education credits. The board shall periodically
11.15select a random sample ofregistrants licensees and require those registrants licensees to
11.16supply the board with evidence of having completed the continuing education to which
11.17they attested. Documentation may come directly from theregistrant licensee or from state
11.18or national organizations that maintain continuing education records.
11.19 Subd. 7. Restriction on continuing education topics. Aregistrant licensee may
11.20apply no more than a combined total of eight hours of continuing education in the areas
11.21of management, risk management, personal growth, and educational techniques to a
11.22two-year reporting period.
11.23 Subd. 8. Credit for credentialing examination. Aregistrant licensee may fulfill
11.24the continuing education requirements for a two-year reporting period by achieving a
11.25qualifying score on one of the credentialing examinations or a specialty credentialing
11.26examination of the National Board for Respiratory Care or another board-approved testing
11.27organization. Aregistrant licensee may achieve 12 hours of continuing education credit
11.28by completing a National Board for Respiratory Care or other board-approved testing
11.29organization's specialty examination.
11.30 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.30, is amended to read:
11.31147C.30 DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.
11.32For purposes of this chapter,registered licensed respiratory care practitioners
11.33therapists and applicants are subject to the provisions of sections147.091 to
147.162 .
12.1 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.35, is amended to read:
12.2147C.35 RESPIRATORY CAREPRACTITIONER ADVISORY COUNCIL.
12.3 Subdivision 1. Membership. The board shall appoint a seven-member Respiratory
12.4CarePractitioner Advisory Council consisting of two public members as defined in section
12.5214.02
, three registered licensed respiratory care practitioners therapists, and two licensed
12.6physicians with expertise in respiratory care.
12.7 Subd. 2. Organization. The advisory council shall be organized and administered
12.8under section15.059 .
12.9 Subd. 3. Duties. The advisory council shall:
12.10(1) advise the board regarding standards for respiratorycare practitioners therapists;
12.11(2) provide for distribution of information regarding respiratorycare practitioner
12.12therapy standards;
12.13(3) advise the board on enforcement of sections147.091 to
147.162 ;
12.14(4) review applications and recommend granting or denyingregistration licensure
12.15orregistration license renewal;
12.16(5) advise the board on issues related to receiving and investigating complaints,
12.17conducting hearings, and imposing disciplinary action in relation to complaints against
12.18respiratorycare practitioners therapists;
12.19(6) advise the board regarding approval of continuing education programs using the
12.20criteria in section147C.25, subdivision 3 ; and
12.21(7) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils by chapter 214, as directed
12.22by the board.
12.23 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.40, is amended to read:
12.24147C.40 FEES.
12.25 Subdivision 1. Fees. The board shall adopt rules setting:
12.26(1)registration licensure fees;
12.27(2) renewal fees;
12.28(3) late fees;
12.29(4) inactive status fees; and
12.30(5) fees for temporary permits; and
12.31(6) fees for temporary registration.
12.32 Subd. 2. Proration of fees. The board may prorate the initial annualregistration
12.33license fee. Allregistrants licensees are required to pay the full fee upon registration
12.34license renewal.
13.1 Subd. 3. Penalty fee for late renewals. An application forregistration license
13.2renewal submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by a late fee in addition to the
13.3required fees.
13.4 Subd. 4. Nonrefundable fees. All of the fees in subdivision 1 are nonrefundable.
1.3Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 147C.01; 147C.05; 147C.10; 147C.15;
1.4147C.20; 147C.25; 147C.30; 147C.35; 147C.40.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.01, is amended to read:
1.7147C.01 DEFINITIONS.
1.8 Subdivision 1. Applicability. The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.
1.9 Subd. 2. Advisory council. "Advisory council" means the Respiratory Care
1.10
1.11 Subd. 3. Approved education program. "Approved education program" means a
1.12university, college, or other postsecondary education program leading to eligibility for
1.13registry or certification in respiratory care, that, at the time the student completes the
1.14program, is accredited by a national accrediting organization approved by the board.
1.15 Subd. 4. Board. "Board" means the Board of Medical Practice or its designee.
1.16 Subd. 5. Contact hour. "Contact hour" means an instructional session of 50
1.17consecutive minutes, excluding coffee breaks, registration, meals without a speaker, and
1.18social activities.
1.19 Subd. 6. Credential. "Credential" means a license
1.20or other evidence of qualification or authorization to engage in respiratory care practice in
1.21this state or any other state.
1.22 Subd. 7. Credentialing examination. "Credentialing examination" means an
1.23examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care
1.24
2.1Society for Respiratory Care for credentialing as a
2.2
2.3respiratory care practitioner.
2.4 Subd. 8. Health care facility. "Health care facility" means a hospital as defined in
2.5section
2.61
2.7long-term acute care facility, a subacute care facility, an outpatient clinic, a physician's
2.8office, a rehabilitation facility, or a hospice.
2.9 Subd. 9. Qualified medical direction. "Qualified medical direction" means
2.10direction from a licensed physician who is on the staff or is a consultant of a health care
2.11facility or home care agency or home medical equipment provider and who has a special
2.12interest in and knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of deficiencies, abnormalities,
2.13and diseases of the cardiopulmonary system.
2.14 Subd. 10. Respiratory care. "Respiratory care" means the provision of services
2.15described under section
2.16evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the
2.17cardiopulmonary system, under the
2.18a physician and pursuant to a referral, or verbal, written, or telecommunicated order from
2.19a physician
2.20assistant.
2.21promotion,
2.22 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.05, is amended to read:
2.23147C.05 SCOPE OF PRACTICE.
2.24(a) The practice of respiratory care by a
2.25
2.26(1) providing and monitoring therapeutic administration of medical gases, aerosols,
2.27humidification, and pharmacological agents related to respiratory care procedures, but not
2.28including administration of general anesthesia;
2.29(2) carrying out therapeutic application and monitoring of mechanical ventilatory
2.30support;
2.31(3) providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural airways and
2.32insertion and maintenance of artificial airways;
2.33(4) assessing and monitoring signs, symptoms, and general behavior relating to, and
2.34general physical response to, respiratory care treatment or evaluation for treatment and
3.1diagnostic testing, including determination of whether the signs, symptoms, reactions,
3.2behavior, or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics;
3.3(5) obtaining physiological specimens and interpreting physiological data including:
3.4(i) analyzing arterial and venous blood gases;
3.5(ii) assessing respiratory secretions;
3.6(iii) measuring ventilatory volumes, pressures, and flows;
3.7(iv) testing pulmonary function;
3.8(v) testing and studying the cardiopulmonary system; and
3.9(vi) diagnostic and therapeutic testing of breathing patterns related to sleep disorders;
3.10(6) assisting hemodynamic monitoring and support of the cardiopulmonary system;
3.11(7) assessing and making suggestions for modifications in the treatment regimen
3.12based on abnormalities, protocols, or changes in patient response to respiratory care
3.13treatment;
3.14(8) providing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including respiratory-care related
3.15educational components, postural drainage, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises,
3.16aerosolized administration of medications, and equipment use and maintenance;
3.17(9) instructing patients and their families in techniques for the prevention, alleviation,
3.18and rehabilitation of deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the cardiopulmonary
3.19system;
3.20(10) transcribing and implementing verbal, written, or telecommunicated orders from
3.21a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
3.22(11) tobacco cessation and prevention programs; and
3.23(12) disease management programs, including but not limited to, asthma and chronic
3.24obstructive pulmonary disease.
3.25
3.26
3.27
3.28
3.29
3.30
3.31
3.32(b) This section does not prohibit a respiratory therapist from performing advances
3.33in the art and techniques of respiratory care learned through formal or specialized training
3.34as approved by the Respiratory Care Advisory Council.
3.35
3.36as a respiratory therapist in another state or country from providing respiratory care in an
4.1emergency in this state, providing respiratory care as a member of an organ harvesting
4.2team, or from providing respiratory care on board an ambulance as part of an ambulance
4.3treatment team.
4.4 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.10, is amended to read:
4.5147C.10 UNLICENSED PRACTICE PROHIBITED; PROTECTED TITLES
4.6AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE.
4.7 Subdivision 1. Protected titles.
4.8a license or temporary permit under this chapter as a respiratory therapist or whose
4.9license or permit has lapsed, been suspended, or revoked may not use the title "Minnesota
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13technician," or use, in connection with the individual's name, the letters
4.14"LRT" or any other titles, words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying
4.15that the individual is eligible for
4.16
4.17
4.18 Subd. 1a. Unlicensed practice prohibited. No person shall practice respiratory
4.19care unless the person is licensed as a respiratory therapist under this chapter except
4.20as otherwise provided under this chapter.
4.21 Subd. 2. Other health care practitioners. (a)
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26profession or occupation licensed or registered by the state by any person duly licensed or
4.27registered to practice the profession or occupation or to perform any act that falls within
4.28the scope of practice of the profession or occupation.
4.29(b)
4.30
4.31care license for:
4.32(1) a
4.33polysomnography technology education program accredited by the Commission on
4.34Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, its successor organization, or another
4.35national recognized accrediting organization
5.1(2) a respiratory
5.2therapist as a member of the United States armed forces while performing duties incident
5.3to that
5.4(3) an individual employed by a durable medical equipment provider or home
5.5medical equipment provider who delivers, sets up, or maintains respiratory care
5.6equipment, but does not perform assessment, education, or evaluation of the patient;
5.7(4) self-care by a patient or gratuitous care by a friend or relative who does not
5.8purport to be a licensed respiratory therapist; or
5.9(5) an individual employed in a sleep lab or center as a polysomnographic
5.10technologist under the supervision of a licensed physician.
5.11 Subd. 3. Penalty. A person who violates
5.12gross misdemeanor.
5.13 Subd. 4. Identification of
5.14
5.15them as respiratory
5.16written in full, this must be designated as
5.17accredited respiratory therapy
5.18must be identified as a student respiratory
5.19designation is Student
5.20respiratory role under the supervision of respiratory
5.21identified as respiratory
5.22 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.15, is amended to read:
5.23147C.15
5.24 Subdivision 1. General requirements for
5.25for
5.26licensure by reciprocity under subdivision 2, must:
5.27(1) submit a completed application on forms provided by the board along with all
5.28fees required under section
5.29(i) the applicant's name, Social Security number, home address, e-mail address, and
5.30telephone number, and business address and telephone number;
5.31(ii) the name and location of the respiratory
5.32applicant completed;
5.33(iii) a list of degrees received from educational institutions;
5.34(iv) a description of the applicant's professional training beyond the first degree
5.35received;
6.1(v) the applicant's work history for the five years preceding the application, including
6.2the average number of hours worked per week;
6.3(vi) a list of registrations, certifications, and licenses held in other jurisdictions;
6.4(vii) a description of any other jurisdiction's refusal to credential the applicant;
6.5(viii) a description of all professional disciplinary actions initiated against the
6.6applicant in any jurisdiction; and
6.7(ix) any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and any misdemeanor or felony conviction;
6.8(2) submit a certificate of completion from an approved education program;
6.9(3) achieve a qualifying score on a credentialing examination within five years
6.10prior to application for registration;
6.11(4) submit a verified copy of a valid and current credential, issued by the National
6.12Board for Respiratory Care or other board-approved national organization, as a certified
6.13respiratory
6.14advanced level respiratory
6.15(5) submit additional information as requested by the board, including providing
6.16any additional information necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to practice with
6.17reasonable skill and safety to the public;
6.18(6) sign a statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the
6.19best of the applicant's knowledge and belief; and
6.20(7) sign a waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records
6.21in this or any other state in which the applicant has completed an approved education
6.22program or engaged in the practice of respiratory
6.23 Subd. 2.
6.24licensure by reciprocity, the applicant must be credentialed by the National Board for
6.25Respiratory Care or other board-approved organization and have worked at least eight
6.26weeks of the previous five years as a respiratory
6.27(1) submit the application materials and fees as required by subdivision 1, clauses
6.28(1), (4), (5), (6), and (7);
6.29(2) provide a verified copy from the appropriate government body of a current and
6.30unrestricted credential or license for the practice of respiratory
6.31jurisdiction that has initial credentialing requirements equivalent to or higher than the
6.32requirements in subdivision 1; and
6.33(3) provide letters of verification from the appropriate government body in each
6.34jurisdiction in which the applicant holds a credential or license. Each letter must state the
6.35applicant's name, date of birth, credential number, date of issuance, a statement regarding
7.1disciplinary actions, if any, taken against the applicant, and the terms under which the
7.2credential was issued.
7.3 Subd. 3. Temporary permit. The board may issue a temporary permit to practice
7.4as a respiratory
7.5licensure under this section if the application for
7.6applicable requirements in this section have been met, and a nonrefundable fee set by
7.7the board has been paid. The permit remains valid only until the meeting of the board
7.8at which a decision is made on the respiratory
7.9for
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14
7.15
7.16
7.17
7.18
7.19
7.20
7.21
7.22
7.23
7.24
7.25
7.26 Subd. 6.
7.27chapter expire annually.
7.28 Subd. 7. Renewal. (a) To be eligible for
7.29licensee must:
7.30(1) annually, or as determined by the board, complete a renewal application on a
7.31form provided by the board;
7.32(2) submit the renewal fee;
7.33(3) provide evidence every two years of a total of 24 hours of continuing education
7.34approved by the board as described in section
8.1(4) submit any additional information requested by the board to clarify information
8.2presented in the renewal application. The information must be submitted within 30 days
8.3after the board's request, or the renewal request is nullified.
8.4(b) Applicants for renewal who have not practiced the equivalent of eight full weeks
8.5during the past five years must achieve a passing score on retaking the credentialing
8.6examination
8.7
8.8 Subd. 8. Change of address. A
8.9inform the board within 30 days, in writing, of the change of address. All notices or
8.10other correspondence mailed to or served on a
8.11
8.12received by the
8.13 Subd. 9.
8.14
8.15known address of the
8.16application and a notice of fees required for renewal. It must also inform the
8.17licensee that
8.18application for
8.19The
8.20licensee of the obligation to meet the deadline and other requirements for
8.21license renewal. Failure to receive this notice is not grounds for challenging expiration of
8.22
8.23 Subd. 10. Renewal deadline. The renewal application and fee must be postmarked
8.24on or before July 1 of the year of renewal or as determined by the board. If the postmark is
8.25illegible, the application shall be considered timely if received by the third working day
8.26after the deadline.
8.27
8.28
8.29
8.30
8.31
8.32
8.33
8.34
8.35
8.36
9.1
9.2
9.3 Subd. 12.
9.4for two years or less. For any individual whose
9.5two years or less, to regain
9.6(1) apply for
9.7(2) document compliance with the continuing education requirements of section
9.9(3) submit the fees required under section
9.10licensed, including the fee for late renewal.
9.11 Subd. 13. Cancellation due to nonrenewal. The board shall not renew, reissue,
9.12reinstate, or restore a
9.13two annual
9.14
9.15applying for
9.16initial
9.17 Subd. 14. Cancellation of
9.18licensee holding an active
9.19the state may, upon approval of the board, be granted
9.20the board is not investigating the person as a result of a complaint or information received
9.21or if the board has not begun disciplinary proceedings against the
9.22Such action by the board shall be reported as a cancellation of
9.23good standing.
9.24(b) A
9.25cancellation is not entitled to a refund of any
9.26
9.27(c) To obtain
9.28obtain a new
9.29requirements then in existence for obtaining initial
9.30
9.31 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.20, is amended to read:
9.32147C.20 BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR
9.33LICENSURE.
9.34(a) The board shall act on each application for
9.35to paragraphs (b) to (d).
10.1(b) The board shall determine if the applicant meets the requirements for
10.2licensure under section
10.3information provided by an applicant to determine whether the information is accurate
10.4and complete.
10.5(c) The board shall notify each applicant in writing of action taken on the application,
10.6the grounds for denying
10.7applicant's right to review under paragraph (d).
10.8(d) Applicants denied
10.9board, within 30 days of the board's notice, to appear before the advisory council or its
10.10designee and for the advisory council to review the board's decision to deny the applicant's
10.11
10.12recommendation to the board as to whether the denial shall be affirmed. Each applicant is
10.13allowed only one request for review per yearly
10.14 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.25, is amended to read:
10.15147C.25 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
10.16 Subdivision 1. Number of required contact hours. Two years after the date
10.17of initial
10.18applying for
10.19of board-approved continuing education in the two years preceding
10.20renewal and attest to completion of continuing education requirements by reporting to
10.21the board.
10.22 Subd. 2. Approved programs. The board shall approve continuing education
10.23programs that have been approved for continuing education credit by the American
10.24Association of Respiratory Care or the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care or their
10.25successor organizations. The board shall also approve programs substantially related to
10.26respiratory
10.27school, state or national medical association, national medical specialty society, or that are
10.28approved for continuing education credit by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
10.29 Subd. 3. Approval of continuing education programs. The board shall also
10.30approve continuing education programs that do not meet the requirements of subdivision 2
10.31but that meet the following criteria:
10.32(1) the program content directly relates to the practice of respiratory
10.33(2) each member of the program faculty is knowledgeable in the subject matter as
10.34demonstrated by a degree from an accredited education program, verifiable experience in
11.1the field of respiratory
11.2teaching in the subject area;
11.3(3) the program lasts at least one contact hour;
11.4(4) there are specific, measurable, written objectives, consistent with the program,
11.5describing the expected outcomes for the participants; and
11.6(5) the program sponsor has a mechanism to verify participation and maintains
11.7attendance records for three years.
11.8 Subd. 4. Hospital, health care facility, or medical company in-services. Hospital,
11.9health care facility, or medical company in-service programs may qualify for continuing
11.10education credits provided they meet the requirements of this section.
11.11 Subd. 5. Accumulation of contact hours. A
11.12contact hours acquired in one two-year reporting period to a future continuing education
11.13reporting period.
11.14 Subd. 6. Verification of continuing education credits. The board shall periodically
11.15select a random sample of
11.16supply the board with evidence of having completed the continuing education to which
11.17they attested. Documentation may come directly from the
11.18or national organizations that maintain continuing education records.
11.19 Subd. 7. Restriction on continuing education topics. A
11.20apply no more than a combined total of eight hours of continuing education in the areas
11.21of management, risk management, personal growth, and educational techniques to a
11.22two-year reporting period.
11.23 Subd. 8. Credit for credentialing examination. A
11.24the continuing education requirements for a two-year reporting period by achieving a
11.25qualifying score on one of the credentialing examinations or a specialty credentialing
11.26examination of the National Board for Respiratory Care or another board-approved testing
11.27organization. A
11.28by completing a National Board for Respiratory Care or other board-approved testing
11.29organization's specialty examination.
11.30 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.30, is amended to read:
11.31147C.30 DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.
11.32For purposes of this chapter,
11.33therapists and applicants are subject to the provisions of sections
12.1 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.35, is amended to read:
12.2147C.35 RESPIRATORY CARE
12.3 Subdivision 1. Membership. The board shall appoint a seven-member Respiratory
12.4Care
12.6physicians with expertise in respiratory care.
12.7 Subd. 2. Organization. The advisory council shall be organized and administered
12.8under section
12.9 Subd. 3. Duties. The advisory council shall:
12.10(1) advise the board regarding standards for respiratory
12.11(2) provide for distribution of information regarding respiratory
12.12therapy standards;
12.13(3) advise the board on enforcement of sections
12.14(4) review applications and recommend granting or denying
12.15or
12.16(5) advise the board on issues related to receiving and investigating complaints,
12.17conducting hearings, and imposing disciplinary action in relation to complaints against
12.18respiratory
12.19(6) advise the board regarding approval of continuing education programs using the
12.20criteria in section
12.21(7) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils by chapter 214, as directed
12.22by the board.
12.23 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 147C.40, is amended to read:
12.24147C.40 FEES.
12.25 Subdivision 1. Fees. The board shall adopt rules setting:
12.26(1)
12.27(2) renewal fees;
12.28(3) late fees;
12.29(4) inactive status fees; and
12.30(5) fees for temporary permits
12.31
12.32 Subd. 2. Proration of fees. The board may prorate the initial annual
12.33license fee. All
12.34license renewal.
13.1 Subd. 3. Penalty fee for late renewals. An application for
13.2renewal submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by a late fee in addition to the
13.3required fees.
13.4 Subd. 4. Nonrefundable fees. All of the fees in subdivision 1 are nonrefundable.