65-5514. Representation as respiratory therapist; prohibitions; misdemeanor; exclusions from the practice of respiratory therapy. (a) On and after March 1, 2000, it shall be unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this act as a respiratory therapist or whose license has been suspended or revoked to hold themselves out to the public as a licensed respiratory therapist, or use the abbreviation of CRTT, RRT, RCP or the words "respiratory therapist," "respiratory care practitioner", "inhalation therapist" or any other words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying that such person is a respiratory therapist, or to practice the art and science of respiratory therapy as herein defined. A violation of this subsection (a) shall constitute a class B misdemeanor.

(b) Nothing in this act is intended to limit, preclude or otherwise interfere with the practices of other health care providers formally trained and licensed, registered, credentialed or certified by appropriate agencies of the state of Kansas. The practice of respiratory therapy shall not be construed to include the following individuals:

(1) Persons rendering assistance in the case of an emergency.

(2) Members of any church practicing their religious tenets.

(3) Persons whose services are performed pursuant to the delegation of and under the supervision of a respiratory therapist who is licensed under this act.

(4) Health care providers in the United States armed forces, public health services, federal facilities and coast guard or other military service when acting in the line of duty in this state.

(5) Licensees under the healing arts act, and practicing their professions, when licensed and practicing in accordance with the provisions of law or persons performing services pursuant to the delegation of a licensed physician under subsection (g) of K.S.A. 65-2872 and amendments thereto.

(6) Dentists practicing their professions, when licensed and practicing in accordance with the provisions of law.

(7) Nurses practicing their professions, when licensed and practicing in accordance with the provisions of law or persons performing services pursuant to the delegation of a licensed nurse under subsection (m) of K.S.A. 65-1124 and amendments thereto.

(8) Health care providers who have been formally trained and are practicing in accordance with the training or have received specific training in one or more functions included in this act pursuant to established educational protocols or both.

(9) Students while in actual attendance in an accredited health care occupational educational program and under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

(10) Self-care by a patient or gratuitous care by a friend or family member who does not represent or hold oneself out to the public to be a respiratory therapist.

(11) Monitoring, installation or delivery of medical devices, gases and equipment and the maintenance thereof by a nonlicensed person for the express purpose of self-care by a patient or gratuitous care by a friend or family member.

(c) Any patient monitoring, assessment or other procedures designed to evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed respiratory therapy must be performed by or pursuant to the delegation of a licensed respiratory therapist or other health care provider.

(d) Nothing in this act shall be construed to permit the practice of medicine and surgery. No statute granting authority to licensees of the state board of healing arts shall be construed to confer authority upon respiratory therapists to engage in any activity not conferred by this act.

History: L. 1986, ch. 322, § 14; L. 1999, ch. 87, § 18; Mar. 1, 2000.