(a) As used in this subchapter:

(1) “Respiratory care” means the allied health profession, under the direction of a person certified to practice medicine, which is responsible for direct and indirect services in the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory care includes inhalation therapy and respiratory therapy.

(2) “Respiratory care practitioner” or “RCP” means an individual who practices respiratory care in accord with the requirements of this subchapter;

(b) A respiratory care practitioner works under the general supervision of a person certified to practice medicine, whether by direct observation and monitoring, by protocols approved by a person certified to practice medicine, or by orders written or verbally given by a person certified to practice medicine. A respiratory care practitioner may evaluate patients and make decisions within parameters defined by a person certified to practice medicine and by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. The work performed by a respiratory care practitioner includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Collecting samples of blood, secretions, gases, and body fluids for respiratory evaluations;

(2) Measuring cardiorespiratory volumes, flows, and pressures;

(3) Administering pharmacological agents, aerosols, and medical gases via the respiratory route;

(4) Inserting and maintaining airways, natural or artificial, for the flow of respiratory gases;

(5) Controlling the environment and ventilatory support systems such as hyperbaric chambers and ventilators;

(6) Resuscitating individuals with cardiorespiratory failure;

(7) Maintaining bronchopulmonary hygiene;

(8) Researching and developing protocols in respiratory disorders;

(9) Performing pulmonary function studies; and

(10) The use of telemedicine as defined in this chapter and, as further described in regulation, the use of and participation in telehealth.

(c) Nothing in this subchapter is intended to limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the professional activities of other individuals and healthcare providers formally trained and licensed by the State.

(d) An individual who is licensed pursuant to this subchapter, who is not being investigated or sanctioned in relation to unprofessional conduct or physical, mental, emotional, or other impairment, and who has passed an examination that includes the subject matter of 1 or more of the professional activities included in subsection (b) of this section may not be prohibited from performing those professional activities passed in the examination, provided that the testing body that administered the examination is approved by the Board.

70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 203, § 1; 72 Del. Laws, c. 171, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 262, § 30B; 75 Del. Laws, c. 141, § 1; 77 Del. Laws, c. 319, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 80, § 5.