N.Y. Education Law § 8501: Definition of the practice of respiratory therapy

§ 8501. Definition of the practice of respiratory therapy. The

practice of the profession of respiratory therapy, which shall be

undertaken pursuant to the direction of a duly licensed physician, is

defined as the performance of cardiopulmonary evaluation, respiratory

therapy treatment techniques, and education of the patient, family and

public.

1. Evaluation shall include the acquisition, analysis and

interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing

diagnostic tests, studies and research of the cardiopulmonary system and

neurophysiological studies related to respiratory care.

2. Therapy shall include the application and monitoring of medical

gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and environmental control systems,

mechanical ventilatory support, artificial airway care, bronchopulmonary

hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care procedures,

and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation related and limited to respiratory

care.

3. Respiratory therapy services may be performed pursuant to a

prescription of a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner.