SF 1488

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to respiratory therapists; providing
recognition for the practice of respiratory therapy in
emergency situations; amending Minnesota Statutes
2004, section 147C.05.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 147C.05, is
amended to read:

147C.05 SCOPE OF PRACTICE.

(a) The practice of respiratory care by a registered
respiratory care practitioner includes, but is not limited to,
the following services:

(1) providing and monitoring therapeutic administration of
medical gases, aerosols, humidification, and pharmacological
agents related to respiratory care procedures, but not including
administration of general anesthesia;

(2) carrying out therapeutic application and monitoring of
mechanical ventilatory support;

(3) providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance
of natural airways and insertion and maintenance of artificial
airways;

(4) assessing and monitoring signs, symptoms, and general
behavior relating to, and general physical response to,
respiratory care treatment or evaluation for treatment and
diagnostic testing, including determination of whether the
signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general response
exhibit abnormal characteristics;

(5) obtaining physiological specimens and interpreting
physiological data including:

(i) analyzing arterial and venous blood gases;

(ii) assessing respiratory secretions;

(iii) measuring ventilatory volumes, pressures, and flows;

(iv) testing pulmonary function;

(v) testing and studying the cardiopulmonary system; and

(vi) diagnostic testing of breathing patterns related to
sleep disorders;

(6) assisting hemodynamic monitoring and support of the
cardiopulmonary system;

(7) assessing and making suggestions for modifications in
the treatment regimen based on abnormalities, protocols, or
changes in patient response to respiratory care treatment;

(8) providing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including
respiratory-care related educational components, postural
drainage, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, aerosolized
administration of medications, and equipment use and
maintenance;

(9) instructing patients and their families in techniques
for the prevention, alleviation, and rehabilitation of
deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the cardiopulmonary
system; and

(10) transcribing and implementing physician orders for
respiratory care services.

(b) Patient service by a practitioner must be limited to:

(1) services within the training and experience of the
practitioner; and

(2) services within the parameters of the laws, rules, and
standards of the facilities in which the respiratory care
practitioner practices.

(c) Respiratory care services provided by a registered
respiratory care practitioner, whether delivered in a health
care facility or the patient's residence, must not be provided
except upon referral from a physician.

new text begin (d) This section does not prohibit an individual licensed
or registered as a respiratory therapist in another state or
country from providing respiratory care in an emergency in this
state, providing respiratory care as a member of an organ
harvesting team, or from providing respiratory care on board an
ambulance as part of an ambulance treatment team.
new text end