North Dakota § 43-42-01 - Definitions

§ 43-42-01. Definitions

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. "Board" means the state board of respiratory care. 2. "Bona fide respiratory care training program" means a program of respiratory care education which is accredited by the commission on accreditation of respiratory care, or the commission's successor organization. 3. "Certification examination" means the entry level examination for respiratory therapists administered by the national board for respiratory care or its successor organization. 4. "Certified respiratory therapist" means a person licensed by the board to practice respiratory care under the direction or supervision of a physician or registered respiratory therapist. 5. "National board for respiratory care" means the body issuing credentials for the respiratory care profession, or the board's successor organization. 6. "Polysomnography" means the practice of attending, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep for the purpose of identifying and assisting in the treatment of sleep-wake disorders. 7. "Registered polysomnographic technologist" means an individual licensed by the board to practice polysomnography under supervision as prescribed by the board by rule. 8. "Registered respiratory therapist" means a person licensed by the board to practice respiratory care. 9. "Registry examination" means the advanced level examination for respiratory therapists administered by the national board for respiratory care. 10. "Respiratory care" means the health specialty involving the treatment, management, control, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary systems. Respiratory care is implemented on an order from a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant and includes the use of medical gases, air and oxygen administering apparatuses, environmental control systems, humidification and aerosols, drugs and medications, apparatuses for cardiorespiratory support and control, postural drainage, chest percussion and vibration and breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of natural and artificial airways, and insertion of artificial airways. The term also includes testing techniques to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and research, including the measurement of cardiorespiratory volumes, pressures and flows, and the drawing and analyzing of samples of arterial, capillary, and venous blood. 11. "Respiratory therapist" means a certified respiratory therapist or a registered respiratory therapist. 12. "Respiratory therapy" means respiratory care.