|
|
|
|
How to Get Licensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Content
 |
| Respiratory Therapy |
|
Respiratory therapists, or respiratory care practitioners, provide treatment to patients with abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system—or breathing disorders—under the direction of a licensed physician and as part of a health care team.
Respiratory therapists administer therapeutic or diagnostic drugs to patients as part of a physician-prescribed treatment plan, implement a physician's orders for respiratory treatments, observe and monitor patient symptoms, and assist with administering medical gases (including hyperbaric or standard oxygen, vapor therapies and ventilation support). Administration of anesthesia falls outside the scope of practice of a respiratory therapist.
Respiratory therapists work at hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, in private care facilities and commercial businesses that specialize in the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control and care of patients with breathing disorders that range from chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema to heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.
Licensing Requirements for Respiratory Therapy
Click here to access complete licensing requirements for respiratory therapy.
|
|
|
| Polysomnography |
|
Polysomnographic technologists provide treatment, management, diagnostic testing, education and care of patients with disorders related to sleep.
Passage of Senate Bill 723 by the Oregon State Legislature in the 2011 legislative session established this new licensing category within the Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board while also revising the board's name to the Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board.
SB 723 does not require licensure for polysomnographic technologists until January 1, 2013. Currently there is a temporary administrative rule allowing unlicensed polysomnographic practitioners to peform certain respiratory care services (e.g. positive airway pressure) in sleep labs under a medical director.
Click here to view the specific parameters of the polysomnography scope of practice as specified in SB 723.
Licensing Requirements for Polysomnography
Click here to access complete licensing requirements for polysomnography.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|