Current Status Bill Number:583 Ratification Number:289 Act Number:280 Type of Legislation:General Bill GB Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:19970326 Primary Sponsor:Giese All Sponsors:Giese Drafted Document Number:psd\7151ac.97 Date Bill Passed both Bodies:19980220 Date of Last Amendment:19970521 Governor's Action:U Became law without signature of Governor Date of Governor's Action:19980408 Subject:Respiratory care, definitions, exemptions from regulation; therapists, licensure of; Respiratory Care Practitioners
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved
______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________
------ 19980423 Act No. A280
------ 19980408 Unsigned, became law without
signature of Governor
------ 19980401 Ratified R289
House 19980220 Read third time, enrolled for
ratification
House 19980219 Read second time, unanimous consent
for third reading on the next
Legislative day
House 19980218 Committee report: Favorable 27 H3M
House 19970527 Introduced, read first time, 27 H3M
referred to Committee
Senate 19970522 Read third time, sent to House
Senate 19970521 Read second time
Senate 19970521 Committee amendment adopted
Senate 19970520 Committee report: Favorable with 13 SMA
amendment
Senate 19970326 Introduced, read first time, 13 SMA
referred to Committee
View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
(A280, R289, S583)
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-510, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS RELEVANT TO RESPIRATORY CARE, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF THE PRACTICE OF RESPIRATORY CARE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-530, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM RESPIRATORY CARE REGULATION, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE EXEMPTION FOR HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES AND INCLUDE AN EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPANIES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-47-520, 40-47-590, 40-47-600, AS AMENDED, 40-47-610, 40-47-620, 40-47-625, 40-47-630, AS AMENDED, 40-47-640, 40-47-650, 40-47-655, AS AMENDED, AND 40-47-660, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION AND REGULATION OF RESPIRATORY CARE THERAPISTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSURE RATHER THAN CERTIFICATION AND TO PROVIDE A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR PERSONS CURRENTLY CERTIFIED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
Definitions revised
SECTION 1. Section 40-47-510 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 223 of 1996, is further amended to read:
"Section 40-47-510. As used in this article:
(1) 'Board' means the Board of Medical Examiners of South Carolina.
(2) 'Committee' means the Respiratory Care Committee which is established by this article as an advisory committee responsible to the board.
(3) 'Respiratory care or respiratory therapy' means the allied health profession or specialty which provides educational, therapeutic, or diagnostic procedures utilized in the prevention, detection, and management of deficiencies or abnormalities, or both, of the cardiopulmonary systems.
(4) 'Practice of respiratory care' may include, but is not limited to, the administration of pharmacologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement a treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitative, or diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician; transcription and implementation of written or verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of respiratory care; observing and monitoring the signs and symptoms, general behavior, general physical response to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing including determination of whether such signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics and implementation, based on observed abnormalities or appropriate reporting, referral, respiratory care protocols or changes in treatment pursuant to the written or verbal orders of a person licensed to practice medicine under the laws of this State; or the initiation of emergency procedures under the regulations of the board or as otherwise permitted in this article. The practice of respiratory care may be performed in a clinic, hospital, skilled nursing facility, private dwelling, or other place considered appropriate or necessary by the board in accordance with the written or verbal order of a physician and must be performed under a qualified medical director.
(5) 'Respiratory care practitioner' means a respiratory therapist or a respiratory therapy technician licensed to practice respiratory therapy who is a graduate of a school for respiratory therapy approved by the American Medical Association or a successor accrediting authority recognized as such by the board.
(6) 'Medical director' means a physician licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina who has special interest and knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of respiratory problems. The practice of respiratory care or respiratory therapy must occur under the supervision of a qualified medical director. In the home care of cardiopulmonary patients, the existence of qualified physician sponsorship must be submitted and documented to the committee and approved by the board."
Reference changed from certified to licensed
SECTION 2. Section 40-47-520 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-520. Individuals practicing as respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians employed to provide respiratory therapy procedures for inpatients, outpatients, and home patients must be licensed in accordance with this article."
Exemptions revised
SECTION 3. Section 40-47-530 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 223 of 1996, is further amended to read:
"Section 40-47-530. (A) This article does not affect:
(1) a person employed to provide respiratory care by the United States government if the person provides respiratory care solely under the direction or control of the organization by which the person is employed;
(2) a person actively pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate in respiratory therapy in a program accredited by the American Medical Association or a successor accrediting authority recognized as such by the board if the activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study and if the person is designated by a title which clearly indicates the status of student;
(3) an individual or other health care professional who is licensed by the State or who has proven competency in one or more of the functions included in the definition of the practice of respiratory care as long as the person does not represent himself as a respiratory care practitioner. As it relates to respiratory care, individuals exempt pursuant to this section must provide proof of formal training for these functions which includes an evaluation of competence through a mechanism that is determined by the board and the committee to be both valid and reliable. The clinical assessment of artificial pressure adjuncts to the respiratory system may not be performed by any other person without proof of formal training and exemption by the board.
(4) a respiratory therapy student, active and in good standing, who may be employed and works under the direct supervision of a respiratory care practitioner and practices to the person's level of proven clinical competency as certified by a program approved by the American Medical Association or a successor accrediting authority recognized as such by the board;
(5) employees of durable medical equipment companies delivering and setting up respiratory equipment in an individual's home, pursuant to a written prescription by a physician, except that any instructions to the patient regarding the clinical use of the equipment, any patient monitoring, patient assessment or other procedures designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment must be performed by a licensed respiratory care practitioner or other individual who is exempt by statute or regulation.
(B) Nothing in this article is intended to limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the practice of other persons and health providers formally trained and licensed by the appropriate agencies of this State."
References changed from certification to licensure
SECTION 4. Section 40-47-590 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-590. (A) The committee shall evaluate the qualifications and supervise the examinations of applicants for licensure and shall make appropriate recommendations to the board.
(B) The board may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and administer oaths, and may investigate allegations of practices violating the provisions of this article.
(C) The committee:
(1) shall recommend regulations to the board relating to professional conduct to carry out the policy of this article including, but not limited to, professional licensure and the establishment of ethical standards of practice for persons holding a license to practice respiratory care or respiratory therapy in this State;
(2) shall conduct hearings and keep records and minutes necessary to carry out its functions;
(3) shall provide notice of all hearings authorized under this article pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act;
(4) shall determine the qualifications and make appropriate recommendations regarding the issuance of licenses to qualified respiratory care practitioners;
(5) shall recommend to the board whether to issue or renew licenses under those conditions prescribed in this article;
(6) may recommend continuing professional education to the board;
(7) shall keep a record of its proceedings and a register of all persons licensed. The register shall show the name of every registrant and the registrant's last known place of employment and residence. The board annually shall compile and make available a list of respiratory care practitioners authorized to practice in this State. Any interested person may obtain a copy of this list upon application to the board and payment of an amount fixed by the board;
(8) shall make an annual report to the board containing an account of duties performed, actions taken, and appropriate recommendations;
(9) shall hear all disciplinary cases and recommend findings of fact, conclusions, and sanctions to the board. The board shall conduct a final order hearing at which it makes a final decision."
References changed from certification to licensure
SECTION 5. Section 40-47-600 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 422 of 1992, is further amended to read:
"Section 40-47-600. An applicant for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner shall file a written application on forms provided by the board showing to the satisfaction of the committee and the board that the applicant has successfully passed the entry-level examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc., or other examination or requirement as the committee may administer or approve."
Reference changed from certify to license and period to meet licensure requirements provided for
SECTION 6. Section 40-47-610 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-610. (A) The board may license as a respiratory care practitioner, upon payment of the fee set by the board, an applicant who is a respiratory therapist or a respiratory therapy technician of another state, territory, or the District of Columbia, if the requirements were substantially equal to the requirements of this State as determined by the board;
(B) The committee initially shall waive the professional education and examination requirements and issue a license to any person who can demonstrate to the committee, through evidence verified under oath, that the person was employed as or actively performing the duties of a respiratory care practitioner in South Carolina in November and December of 1998; however, within three years of applying for initial licensure, the person must have complied with the educational and examination requirements provided for in Section 40-47-600. The applicants shall produce proof of high school graduation or the equivalent and shall apply within ninety days after public notification by the department."
Reference changed from certification to licensing
SECTION 7. Section 40-47-620 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-620. The board shall issue a license to any person who meets the requirements of this article upon payment of the license fee."
Reference changed from certificate to license
SECTION 8. Section 40-47-625 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 541 of 1988, is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-625. The board may issue a temporary license if all licensing requirements have been met."
References changed from certificate to license
SECTION 9. Section 40-47-630 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 181 of 1993, is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-630. (A) The committee may recommend to the board that it revoke, suspend, issue a public or private reprimand, or impose any other reasonable limitation or practice where the unprofessional, unethical, or illegal conduct of the respiratory care practitioner is likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public. This conduct includes a license:
(1) using any false, fraudulent, or forged statement or engaging in any fraudulent, deceitful, or dishonest act in connection with any of the certifying requirements;
(2) having an addiction to alcohol or drugs to such a degree as to render the licensee unfit to practice respiratory care;
(3) having been convicted of the illegal or unauthorized practice of respiratory care;
(4) knowingly performing an act which in any way assists an unlicensed person to practice respiratory care;
(5) having sustained any physical or mental disability which renders further practice by the licensee dangerous to the public;
(6) having violated the code of ethics or regulations as adopted by the committee and the board;
(7) guilty of engaging in any dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct that is likely to deceive or harm the public;
(8) guilty of the use of any false or fraudulent statement in any document connected with the practice of respiratory care;
(9) having intentionally violated or attempted to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation or conspiring to violate any provisions of this article;
(10) guilty of the commission of any act, during the course of practice conducted pursuant to a license issued under this article, that constitutes fraud, dishonest dealing, illegality, incompetence, or gross negligence.
(B) The suspension, revocation, reprimand, or imposition of probationary conditions upon a respiratory care practitioner may be recommended by the committee to the board after a hearing is conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. A transcribed record of the hearing must be made.
(C) A respiratory care practitioner aggrieved by a decision of the committee or board under this section may appeal the decision to an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 on the record made before the committee or board."
Reference changed from certificate to license
SECTION 10. Section 40-47-640 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-640. (A) Licenses issued under this article are subject to annual renewal and expire unless renewed in the manner prescribed by the regulations of the committee. The committee may recommend additional requirements for license renewal which provide evidence of continued competency. The board may provide for the late renewal of a license upon payment of a late fee.
(B) An inactive license is subject to expiration and may be renewed as provided in this section, but renewal does not entitle the respiratory care practitioner, while the license remains inactive, to engage in the certified activity of respiratory therapy. If a certificate suspended on disciplinary grounds is reinstated, the respiratory care practitioner, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay the renewal fee and any applicable late fee."
Reference changed from certification to licensure
SECTION 11. Section 40-47-650 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 40-47-650. The board and the committee shall prescribe fees in amounts recommended by the committee for:
(1) initial licensure, not to exceed two hundred dollars;
(2) renewal of license fee, not to exceed fifty dollars;
(3) late renewal fee, not to exceed double renewal fee.
The fees must be set in such an amount as to reimburse the State to the extent feasible for the cost of the services rendered by the board."
Reference changed from certificate to license
SECTION 12. Section 40-47-655 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 223 of 1996, is further amended to read:
"Section 40-47-655. (A) Upon payment of a fee prescribed by the committee and approved by the board, the board may issue a limited license to practice respiratory care under the direct supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner to an applicant who presents written documentation, verified by oath, that the applicant is a graduate of or student of a respiratory care program approved by the American Medical Association or a successor accrediting authority recognized as such by the board. If a student, the applicant must be scheduled to graduate from this program within forty-five days of the date on which the limited license is to be issued.
(B) A limited license issued under this section is valid for a period of six months. Upon expiration of a limited license and payment of the fee prescribed by the committee and approved by the board, the board may renew the limited license once for a period of six months. A limited license must not be renewed more than twelve months from the date it was originally issued."
Reference changed from certificate to license
SECTION 13. Section 40-47-660 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read:
"Section 40-47-660. (A) It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this article to hold himself out as a respiratory care practitioner, respiratory therapist, or a respiratory therapy technician. A person who holds himself out or practices as a respiratory care practitioner without being licensed under this article, during a period of suspension, or after his certificate has been revoked by the board is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both.
(B) For the purpose of an investigation or proceeding under this article, the board or a person designated by it may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take testimony, and require the production of documents or records which the board considers relevant to the inquiry. In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to a person, an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1, upon application by the board, may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the board or the person designated by it, produce documentary evidence, and give other evidence concerning the matter under inquiry.
When the board has sufficient evidence that a person is violating any provisions of this article, it may, in addition to all other remedies, order the person to immediately desist and refrain from this conduct. The board may apply to an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 for an injunction restraining the person from this conduct. An administrative law judge may issue a temporary injunction ex parte and upon notice and full hearing may issue any other order in the matter it considers proper. No bond may be required of the board by an administrative law judge as a condition to the issuance of any injunction or order contemplated by the provisions of this section.
(C) Every communication, whether oral or written, made by or on behalf of a person or firm to the board or any person designated by it to investigate or otherwise hear matters relating to the revocation, suspension, or other restriction on a license or other discipline of a licensee, whether by way of complaint or testimony, is privileged. No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, may lie against the person or firm for the communication except upon proof that the communication was made with malice.
(D) No provision of this article may be construed as prohibiting the respondent or his legal counsel from exercising the respondent's constitutional right of due process under the law nor prohibiting the respondent from normal access to the charges and evidence filed against him as a part of due process under the law."
Regulations continue to be in effect
SECTION 14. Regulations of the Board of Medical Examiners in effect on this act's effective date pertaining to the certification and certification requirements for respiratory care therapists are deemed to be applicable to the licensure and licensure requirements for respiratory care therapists until the Board of Medical Examiners amends or otherwise modifies these regulations.
Time effective
SECTION 15. This act takes effect January 1, 1999.
Became law without the signature of the Governor -- 04/08/98.