The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) AARC--The American Association for Respiratory Care.
2. (2) Act--The Respiratory Care Practitioners Act, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 604.
3. (3) Advisory Board--Texas Board of Respiratory Care.
4. (4) Directing physician--A physician including a qualified medical director licensed by the Medical Board that directs a Texas state-certified respiratory care practitioner in the practice of respiratory care.
5. (5) Educational accrediting body--Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), or other such organization approved by the Advisory Board in accordance with §604.054 of the Act.
6. (6) Formal training--Completion of an organized educational activity in respiratory care procedures recognized by the Advisory Board.
7. (7) Medical Practice Act--Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B, as amended.
8. (8) NBRC--National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
9. (9) Respiratory care--The treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and or care of patients who have deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiorespiratory system, in conjunction with the provisions of §604.003 of the Act. Respiratory care does not include the delivery, assembly, set up, testing, and demonstration of respiratory care equipment upon the order of a licensed physician. Demonstration is not to be interpreted as the actual patient assessment and education, administration, or performance of the respiratory care procedure(s).

Source Note:The provisions of this §187.1 adopted to be effective January 9, 2025, 50 TexReg 404.