Section 70. Individual responsibilities

Part IV. Scope of Practice

Practice as a licensed respiratory therapist means, upon receipt of written or verbal orders from a qualified practitioner and under qualified medical direction, the evaluation, care and treatment of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. This practice shall include, but not be limited to, ventilatory assistance and support; the insertion of artificial airways without cutting tissue and the maintenance of such airways; the administration of medical gases exclusive of general anesthesia; topical administration of pharmacological agents to the respiratory tract; humidification; and administration of aerosols. The practice of respiratory care shall include such functions shared with other health professionals as cardiopulmonary resuscitation; bronchopulmonary hygiene; respiratory rehabilitation; specific testing techniques required to assist in diagnosis, therapy and research; and invasive and noninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoring.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR465-04-01 § 3.1, eff. February 14, 1990; amended, Volume 08, Issue 25, eff. October 8, 1992; Volume 14, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1998; Volume 32, Issue 01, eff. October 7, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2912.1 of the Code of Virginia.