1. (1) ABG endorsement includes the practice of specimen analysis of blood gases, pH and other associated parameters along with the needed equipment maintenance and quality assurance procedures. For purposes of this rule “associated parameters” includes, but is not limited to:

   1. (a) Measured parameters, such as:

      1. 1. pCO2;
      2. 2. pO2;
      3. 3. O2 saturation;
      4. 4. Carboxyhemoglobin;
      5. 5. Methemoglobin;
      6. 6. Hemoglobin; and
      7. 7. Fetal hemoglobin; and RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS

   2. (b) Calculated parameters, such as:

      1. 1. Sodium bicarbonate;
      2. 2. Base excess;
      3. 3. Total CO2; and
      4. 4. O2 saturation.

2. (2) Obtaining ABG Endorsement

   1. (a) Registered respiratory therapists and certified respiratory therapists can obtain ABG endorsement by submitting verification to the Board that he/she holds a current CRT or RRT credential issued by the NBRC; or
   2. (b) An individual can obtain ABG endorsement by submitting verification to the Board of a current “Special Analyst-Blood Gas” license issued by the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-27-104 and 63-27-115. Administrative History: Original rule filed January 31, 2000; effective April 15, 2000. Amendment filed March 20, 2001; effective June 3, 2001. Amendment filed September 26, 2001; effective December 10, 2001. Repeal and new rule filed December 2, 2005; effective February 15, 2006. Amendment filed March 16, 2007; effective May 30, 2007. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.