Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-27-108: Respiratory assistants

(a) The knowledge and skills for performing the functions of a respiratory assistant shall be acquired through compliance with the requirements of § 63-27-102(4) .

(b) The assistant's role shall not include the exercising of independent, clinical judgment. The assistant may be expected to adjust or modify therapeutic techniques within well-defined procedures based on a limited range of patient responses. Therefore, the use of the assistant requires the supervision of a registered respiratory therapist, certified respiratory therapist, or physician experienced in respiratory care. No assistant shall be permitted to perform the functions for which the assistant is certified on a critical care patient being maintained on mechanical ventilation, unless the assistant possesses a certificate that indicates the assistant has passed the critical care section of the board approved examination for respiratory assistants.