Respiratory Care Practitioners

The applicant shall complete an online application:

1. Be of good moral character.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Documentation of certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
5. Documentation of graduation from a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) or its successors.
6. Demonstrate oral and written competency in English as required by the Board.
7. Meet any other requirements established by the Board.

The application process, on average, may take 3 - 6 weeks. However, the process may take longer depending on the individual applicant's circumstance or if the individual does not provide the required documentation on a timely basis.

Unless authorized to practice respiratory care, individuals may not use the abbreviation R.C.P. or any other words, letters, or symbols with the intent of representing him/herself as a respiratory care practitioner.

No. The Board does not license pulmonary function technologists. However, many of the duties the pulmonary function technologist performs are within the scope of practice of a respiratory care practitioner. Therefore, practicing as pulmonary function technologist could be considered practicing respiratory care without a license unless the individual is performing only basic pulmonary procedures. If you have questions about the pulmonary function technologist's scope of practice, please contact the Board at 410-764-4777.

Respiratory Care Practitioners may accept verbal orders from authorized prescribers for procedures within the scope of practice of respiratory care. However, in the event that the authorized prescriber is not the person who would transmit the message, it is strongly recommended that a fax of a signed order be sent.

The practice of respiratory care includes the following: Professional application of techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in the administration of respiratory care such as: (a) Therapeutic and diagnostic gases (excluding general anesthesia), ... (COMAR 10.32.11.09B(7)(a)).

As long as the oxygen set-up does not involve any sort of clinical assessment, a respiratory therapist does not have to be involved in the delivery or set-up of oxygen.

Yes. A non-licensed individual may perform the set-up. This individual may also provide patient education ONLY IF the education does not include disease management specific information to the patient or any duty related the scope of practice of respiratory care.

Yes, but only if the RCP was licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians to practice respiratory care on or before December 31, 2012, and if the duties included practicing polysomnography.

NO. Setting up CPAP and BPAP devices is not limited to Respiratory Care Practitioners or Registered Polysomnography Technologists. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Companies typically provide the equipment to patients. DME Companies follow guidance from their regulating authorities and are not regulated by this body.

An applicant may not be required to provide additional evidence of english proficiency if the applicant holds a valid, unrestricted license, certification, or registration from another state that requires evidence of english proficiency for licensure, certification, or registration.