How do I apply for initial licensure as a respiratory care practitioner (RCP)?
More information regarding the application process can be found in the Application for Licensure Packet. The packet allows you to fill-in and print out the application forms to submit to the Board. If you prefer, you can also contact the Board toll free (in California) at (866) 375-0386, and request an application packet be mailed to you.
I am currently licensed in another state. How do I apply for a license in California?
The application process for out-of-state licensees is very similar to the initial application process for those residing in California. California does not have reciprocity with any states, therefore, you will need to apply for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the Respiratory Care Board to practice in California. However, if you have already earned your RRT credential, you will not be required to retake an initial licensing exam. If you earned your CRT credential prior to January 1, 2015, that is sufficient for licensing purposes. You will also be required to have proof of your credential, out-of-state license, and education requirements sent directly to our office.
If I am applying from out-of-state, can I submit Live Scan (electronic) fingerprints not rolled in California?
No, Live Scan fingerprinting services will not transfer from state to state. If you are applying from outside California, you will need to have two sets of fingerprints rolled with ink on designated cards. Fingerprint cards should be available at a local fingerprinting service facility; otherwise you may contact the Board to request these cards be sent to you. You should include the two fingerprint cards along with your Application for Licensure Packet, as well as an additional $49 fee to cover the state and federal background check fees.
Once I've filed my application, how long before I am issued a work permit?
A work permit is issued for a period of 90 days, generally within 10 days from the time the Board receives a complete application, fingerprint clearance, or if criminal, disciplinary or substance abuse exists, the Board's Enforcement Unit must determine that a work permit may be issued, verification of graduation or certification of upcoming graduation by program director which is completed on the front of the Application for Licensure form, and verification of your credential if you have already taken and passed the CRT and/or RRT examination(s).
I received a deficiency notice. How do I rectify this issue?
Please read the letter carefully to determine what is deficient from your application, and what you will need to do to rectify the problem. You can always contact the Board if you have additional questions.
What is the Law & Professional Ethics course, and will I need to complete this course as part of my Respiratory Care Practitioner license application process?
The Law and Professional Ethics Course is a course designed to inform RCP applicants of the expectations put upon them as professional practitioners in the State of California, and is required to be taken by all RCP applicants prior to initial licensure. The Law and Professional Ethics Course covers obligations of licensed respiratory care practitioners to patients under their care, responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners to report illegal activities occurring in the work place, and acts that jeopardize licensure and licensure status.
The course must be taken through the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC), or the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Before deciding which course to take, applicants are encouraged to visit each provider's web site to review additional information pertaining to the administration of each course. Each applicant can then select the course provider that best meets his/her individual needs. You can access the CSRC's course at www.csrc.org or the AARC's course at www.aarc.org.
Do I need to submit verification of other health-related licenses to the Board?
Yes, license verifications from any agency where you have held a health related license (in California or out-of-state) must be sent directly to the Board.
If I have a prior conviction(s), am I still eligible to receive a license?
Having a prior conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in California. Your application will need to be reviewed individually, on a case-by-case basis, before the Board can make a final determination regarding licensure. Having a prior conviction(s) may qualify for In-House Review and Determination of Penalty as long as no other disqualifying factors or extenuating circumstances are present. Additional information regarding the Board's Disciplinary Guidelines may also assist you in determining your eligibility for licensure.
If I have a prior conviction(s), is there a delay in processing my application?
Delays are normally cause by not submitting all the documentation requested within the application. If all documentation is submitted, the Board's process and average processing time can be found within the Board's Enforcement Process Overview.
What documents do I need to submit for my prior conviction(s)?
* Certified documents are obtained directly from and certified by the court and arresting agency. Do not send copies, they will not be accepted.
If I received a conviction while I was a juvenile, do I need to report that on my Application for Licensure?
No, you are not required to disclose convictions/adjudications that occurred while you were a juvenile.
I contacted the convicting court and/or the arresting/citing agency to obtain certified documents for my prior arrest(s) and/or conviction(s), however they no longer have the records on file. What do I do?
If the court and/or arresting agency advised you the requested records have been destroyed or purged, you must obtain and submit a signed statement from the agency on its official letterhead, indicating the records are no longer available.
How can I appeal the denial of my application?
If your application is denied, you have a right to a hearing under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of part 1 Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code if a written request for a hearing is made within sixty (60) days after service of the notice of denial (service is effective the date of mailing of the notice). Unless a written request for a hearing is made within the 60-day period, the right to a hearing is deemed waived. All hearing requests must be sent by registered mail to ensure receipt by the Board.
How long will it take to be licensed?
The application approval time generally takes between two and six weeks. However, the amount of time depends on how soon the Board receives all required documentation (i.e. fingerprint responses, successful exam passage, official transcripts, license and credential verifications, etc.). To help expedite the process, you are encouraged to request and follow-up with any entities that will be submitting information needed to complete the application process (i.e. registrar, NBRC, other state licensing board).
How do I report a change of name and/or address?
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 1399.304, each person holding a license shall give the Board written notice of an address change within 14 days of the change. You can update your address of record with the Board online through BreEZe Online Services.
How long do I have to complete the application process?
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 1399.321, each applicant shall have one year from the time his or her initial application is received by the Board, to meet the licensure requirements and complete the application and initial licensure process. If the application and initial licensure process is not completed within the one-year period, the application shall be deemed abandoned.