Section 18.305. Functions of respiratory therapists

(a) Under section 13.1(d) of the act (63 P. S. § 422.13a(d)), a respiratory therapist 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.

(b) Under section 13.1(d) of the act, a respiratory therapist may perform the activities listed in subsection (a) only upon prescription or referral by a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant, or while under medical direction consistent with standing orders or protocols in an institution or health care facility.

The provisions of this § 18.305 amended January 31, 2014, effective February 1, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 583. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (323443) to (323444).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 18.305 amended under sections 8, 8.1, 13(c) and 13.1(c) of the Medical Practice Act of 1985 (63 P. S. § § 422.8, 422.8a, 422.13(c) and 422.13a(c)).