CHAPTER 1. DEFINITIONS
IC 25-34.5
ARTICLE 34.5. RESPIRATORY CARE
PRACTITIONERS
IC 25-34.5-1
Chapter 1. Definitions
IC 25-34.5-1-1
Applicability of definitions
Sec. 1. The definitions in this chapter apply throughout this
article.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1.
IC 25-34.5-1-2
"Applicant" defined
Sec. 2. "Applicant" means a person who applies for licensure as
a respiratory care practitioner under this article. The term does not
include a practitioner who applies for renewal of the practitioner's
license.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.60-2000, SEC.1.
IC 25-34.5-1-2.5
"Assessment" defined
Sec. 2.5. (a) "Assessment" means the evaluation and interpretation
of patient data that is the basis for and a prerequisite for making a
decision concerning patient care.
(b) The term does not include making a medical diagnosis.
As added by P.L.60-2000, SEC.2.
IC 25-34.5-1-3
"Board" defined
Sec. 3. "Board" refers to the medical licensing board of Indiana.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1.
IC 25-34.5-1-4
"Committee" defined
Sec. 4. "Committee" refers to the respiratory care committee
established under IC 25-34.5-2-1.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1.
IC 25-34.5-1-4.7
"Other authorized health care professional" defined
Sec. 4.7. "Other authorized health care professional" means a
licensed health care professional whose scope of practice:
(1) includes the task being supervised; and
(2) authorizes the professional to supervise an individual who
is not licensed, certified, or registered as a health care
professional.
As added by P.L.60-2000, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.288-2001,
SEC.12.
IC 25-34.5-1-5
"Person" defined
Sec. 5. "Person" means an individual.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1.
IC 25-34.5-1-6
"Practice of respiratory care" defined
Sec. 6. "Practice of respiratory care" means the allied health
specialty designed to aid the supervising physician or osteopath in
the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, and care of
patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the
cardiopulmonary system. The term includes the following:
(1) Administration of pharmacological, diagnostic, and
therapeutic aids related to the implementation of a treatment,
disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or diagnostic
regimen prescribed by and under the direct supervision of a
physician licensed under IC 25-22.5 as follows:
(A) Administration of medical gases (except for the purpose
of anesthesia), aerosols, and humidification.
(B) Environmental control mechanisms and hyperbaric
therapy.
(C) Mechanical or physiological ventilatory support.
(D) Bronchopulmonary hygiene.
(E) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(F) Maintenance of the natural airway.
(G) Insertion and maintenance of artificial airways.
(H) Specific diagnostic and testing techniques employed in
the medical management of patients to assist in diagnosis,
monitoring, treatment, and research of pulmonary
abnormalities, including measurements of ventilatory
volumes, pressures, and flows, collection of specimens of
blood and blood gases, expired and inspired gas samples,
respiratory secretions, and pulmonary function testing.
(I) Utilization of hemodynamic and other related physiologic
measurements to assess the status of the cardiopulmonary
system.
(2) Transcription and implementation of the written or verbal
orders of a physician.
(3) Observing and monitoring signs and symptoms, general
behavior, general physical response to respiratory care
treatment and diagnostic testing, including determination of
whether the signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general
response exhibit abnormal characteristics.
(4) Observing and referring based on abnormalities, protocols,
or changes in treatment.
(5) Repairing equipment used in the practice of respiratory care.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.60-2000, SEC.4.
IC 25-34.5-1-7
"Practitioner" defined
Sec. 7. "Practitioner" means a person licensed under this article
to engage in the practice of respiratory care.
As added by P.L.242-1989, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.60-2000, SEC.5.
IC 25-34.5-1-8
"Proximate supervision" defined
Sec. 8. "Proximate supervision" means a situation in which an
individual is:
(1) responsible for directing the actions of another individual;
and
(2) in the facility and is physically close enough to be readily
available if needed by the supervised individual.
As added by P.L.60-2000, SEC.6.
IC 25-34.5-1-9
"Task" defined
Sec. 9. "Task" means a respiratory care practice that does not:
(1) require specialized knowledge that results from a course of
education or training in respiratory care;
(2) pose an unreasonable risk of a negative outcome for the
patient; and
(3) involve assessment or making a decision concerning patient
care.
As added by P.L.60-2000, SEC.7.