Respiratory Therapists are health care professionals whose
responsibilities include the diagnostic evaluation, management,
education, rehabilitation and care of patients with deficiencies
and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. The scope of
practice includes the application of technology and the use of
treatment protocols across all care sites including, but not
limited to, the hospital, clinic, physician’s office,
rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility and the
patient’s home. The practice of respiratory care encompasses
activities in diagnostic evaluation, therapy, and education of
the patient, family and public. These activities are supported
by education, research and administration. Diagnostic activities
include but are not limited to: - Obtaining and analyzing
physiological specimens - Interpreting physiological data -
Performing tests and studies of the cardiopulmonary system -
Performing neurophysiological studies - Performing sleep
disorder studies Therapy includes but is not limit