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Respiratory Care Board

As required by SB 202 passed in 2015 by the 84th Texas Legislature, the Texas Board of Respiratory Care is an advisory board to the medical board and consists of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows:

(1)  four respiratory care practitioners who each have at least five years of experience as a respiratory care practitioner;

(2)  two physicians licensed in this state who supervise respiratory care practitioners; and

(3)  three members who represent the public.

The advisory board and the medical board are responsible for regulating the practice of respiratory care as required by Chapter 604, Occupations Code.

 

What is a respiratory care practitioner?

A Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is an individual who practices respiratory care that includes the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and care of patients who have deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiorespiratory system.

Some responsibilities of an RCP may include:

  • Operating cardio-pulmonary bypass equipment
  • Monitoring blood gasses and other lab values
  • Administering medications or anesthetics through equipment under physician direction