KRS 314A.100: Scope of practice.

(1) A respiratory care practitioner may perform respiratory care procedures under

medical direction with documented competency, in accordance with agency or

facility guidelines and only in accordance with the prescription of a physician. The

procedures shall i nclude, but not be limited to, the assessment and therapeutic use

of the following: medical gases, exclusive of general anesthesia; aerosols,

humidification, environmental control systems; pharmacologic agents related to

cardiopulmonary procedures, unless prohibited by the medical staff of the licensed

health-care facility; mechanical or physiological ventilatory support;

bronchopulmonary hygiene, maintenance of the natural airways; insertion without

cutting tissues and maintenance of artificial airways; specific assessment and testing

procedures such as drawing and analyzing of arterial blood gases employed in the

medical measurement and monitoring of cardiac function as it relates to pulmonary

pathophysiology.

(2) The practice of respiratory care may be pe rformed in hospitals or in other settings

where respiratory care is to be provided in accordance with a prescription of a

physician. In addition, respiratory care may be provided during the transportation of

a patient, or under any circumstances where an e mergency necessitates respiratory

care.

(3) The respiratory care practitioner may transcribe and implement a physician's written

or verbal orders pertaining to the practice of respiratory care procedures as defined

in this section.

(4) The respiratory care practitioner's scope of practice shall include practice standards

and guidelines as developed by the American Association for Respiratory Care, or

its equivalent, and as incorporated by the board through promulgation of

administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.