Respiratory Care, State Board for

Respiratory Care, State Board for

Chapter 6: Standards of Professional Conduct

Effective Date: 04/05/2023 to Current

Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations

Reference Number: 022.0001.6.04052023

CHAPTER 6

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Section 1. Authority. These rules are adopted under the Board's authority granted by Wyoming Statute 33-43-106(a)(i).

Section 2. Scope of Practice. The scope of practice for respiratory therapy includes, but is not limited to:

1. (a) Acquiring and evaluating clinical data;
2. (b) Assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
3. (c) Performing and assisting in the performance of prescribed diagnostic studies such as: obtaining blood samples, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, polysomnography, and neurodiagnostics;
4. (d) Evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care;
5. (e) Establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease;
6. (f) Participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans;
7. (g) Case management of patients with cardiopulmonary and related diseases;
8. (h) Initiating prescribed respiratory care treatments, evaluating and monitoring patient responses to such therapy and recommending modification of the prescribed therapy to achieve the desired therapeutic objectives;
9. (i) Initiating and conducting prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation;
10. (j) Providing education to patient, family, community, and allied health care professional;
11. (k) Promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention, and disease management;
12. (l) Participating in life support activities as required; and
13. (m) Promoting evidence-based medicine; research; and clinical practice guidelines.

Section 3. Ethical Standards. The following ethical standards are adopted and incorporated herein by the Board:

1. (a) The AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as incorporated by

reference in Chapter 1.

(b) Beyond adhering to the AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct, persons licensed by the Board shall:

(i) Practice in a manner that is in the best interest of the public and does not endanger the public health, safety or welfare.

(ii) Report to the Board known or suspected violations of the laws and regulations governing the practice of licensed or permitted professionals.

(iii) Use only the initials L.R.C.P. for Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner as the designation of licensure.

(iv) Use only indicators of current discipline-related credentials such as CRT and RRT or such indicators as awarded by independent credentialing agencies such as the AARC and the NBRC in association with their licensure or permit and practice.

(v) Upon request, provide patients with fees and billing arrangements before rendering services.

(vi) Respond to all requests for information and all other correspondence from the Board.

(vii) Ensure the patient has the opportunity to bring a chaperone of their choosing to their examination/treatment. The chaperone shall be in the room for the duration of the examination/treatment.