A hospital, as defined in section 19a-490b, may designate any licensed health care provider and any certified ultrasound or nuclear medicine technologist to perform the following oxygen-related patient care activities in a hospital: (1) Connecting or disconnecting oxygen supply; (2) transporting a portable oxygen source; (3) connecting, disconnecting or adjusting the mask, tubes and other patient oxygen delivery apparatus; and (4) adjusting the rate or flow of oxygen consistent with a medical order. Such provider or technologist may perform such activities only to the extent permitted by hospital policies and procedures, including bylaws, rules and regulations applicable to the medical staff. A hospital shall document that each person designated to perform oxygen-related patient care activities has been properly trained, either through such person's professional education or through training provided by the hospital. In addition, a hospital shall require that such person satisfy annual competency testing. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a hospital from designating persons who are authorized to transport a patient with a portable oxygen source. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any type of ventilator, continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway pressure units or any other noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

(P.A. 10-117, S. 80; P.A. 11-242, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 11-242 substituted “technologist” for “technician” and provided that nothing in section prohibits hospital from designating persons who are authorized to transport a patient with a portable oxygen source, effective July 1, 2011.