Respiratory Care Practitioners

The applicant shall complete an online application:

1. Be of good moral character.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Documentation of certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
5. Documentation of graduation from a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC), its predecessors, or its successors.
6. Demonstrate oral and written competency in English as required by the Board.
7. Complete a criminal history records check.
8. Meet any other requirements established by the Board.

The application process, on average, may take 3 - 6 weeks. However, the process may take longer depending on the individual applicant's circumstances or if the individual does not provide the required documentation on a timely basis.

Unless authorized to practice respiratory care, individuals may not use the abbreviation RRT, CRT, RT, R.C.P., or any other words, letters, or symbols with the intent of representing himself/herself as a respiratory care practitioner.

No.

RCPs may accept verbal orders from authorized prescribers for procedures within the scope of practice of respiratory care. However, in the event that the authorized prescriber is not the person transmitting the message, it is strongly recommended that an electronic or faxed copy of the signed order be sent.

The practice of respiratory care includes the following:
(7) Professional application of techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in the administration of respiratory care such as: (a) Therapeutic and diagnostic gases (excluding general anesthesia); (COMAR 10.32.11.09B(7)(a)).

As long as the oxygen set-up does not involve any sort of clinical assessment, a respiratory therapist does not have to be involved in the delivery or set-up of oxygen.

Yes. A non-licensed individual may perform the setup. This individual may also provide patient education ONLY IF the education does not include disease management-specific information for the patient or any duties related to the scope of practice of respiratory care.

Yes, but only if the RCP was licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians to practice respiratory care on or before December 31, 2012, and if the duties included practicing polysomnography.

NO. The setup of CPAP and BPAP devices is not solely limited to RCPs or Registered Polysomnography Technicians. Equipment is typically provided to patients through Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Companies. DME Companies follow guidance from their regulating authorities and are not regulated by the Board.

Click to view: Regulations.

1. Completion of a reinstatement application approved by the Board.
2. Payment of a reinstatement fee.
3. Satisfactory evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements.
4. Complete a criminal history records check.
5. Meet any additional requirements set by the Board.*

*If the license has not been renewed for more than 5 years and the applicant has not been practicing in another jurisdiction or country during at least 3 of the 5 years preceding the application, the applicant shall pass an examination approved by the Board and meet all the requirements of licensure at the time the respiratory care practitioner applies for reinstatement.

Documentation of at least sixteen (16) hours of approved continuing education earned within the two (2) years immediately preceding the submission of an application for renewal or reinstatement and documentation of the licensee passing the license exam. The Board will recognize the continuing education hours approved by one of the following organizations:

1. Maryland/District of Columbia Society for Respiratory Care;
2. AARC;
3. Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland (MEDCHI): or
4. Any other organization or institution having requirements equivalent to those of the above organizations.

The continuing education requirement does not apply to the first renewal after initial licensure or reinstatement.

Questions regarding the approval of continuing education courses should be directed to the MD/DC Society for Respiratory Care at MD/DC Society for Respiratory Care.