36-4C-1. Definition of terms. Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Affiliate," the South Dakota affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care;

(2) "Board," the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners;

(3) "Committee," the Respiratory Care Advisory Committee provided for in this chapter;

(4) "Qualified medical director," the physician responsible for the medical direction of any inpatient or outpatient respiratory care service, department, or home care agency. The medical director shall be a licensed physician pursuant to chapter 36-4 who has special interest and knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary problems. If possible, the medical director shall be qualified by special training or be experienced in the management of acute and chronic respiratory disorders or both. The medical director is responsible for the quality, safety, and appropriateness of respiratory care services;

(5) "Respiratory care practitioner," any person with a temporary permit or license to practice respiratory care as defined in this chapter and whose temporary permit or license is in good standing;

(6) "Registered respiratory therapist," a respiratory care practitioner who has successfully completed a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and who has successfully completed the registry examination for advanced respiratory therapists administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Incorporated;

(7) "Certified respiratory therapist," a respiratory care practitioner who has successfully completed a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and who has successfully completed the entry level examination for respiratory therapists administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Incorporated;

(8) "Graduate respiratory care practitioner," a person who has graduated from an education and training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and who is eligible to take the licensure examination required by § 36-4C-8;

(9) "Student respiratory care practitioner," a person who is enrolled in an education and training program for respiratory care practitioners which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and who provides respiratory care under direct supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner who is on the premises where the respiratory care services are provided and who is available for immediate consultation.Source: SL 1993, ch 273, § 1; SL 1994, ch 294, § 1; SL 2004, ch 245, § 1.