Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board - Respiratory Therapist - Practitioner Information

Overview

Respiratory Therapists provide treatment to patients with abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system — or breathing disorders — under the direction of a licensed physician.

Respiratory Therapists administer therapeutic or diagnostic drugs to patients as part of a physician-prescribed treatment plan, implement a physician's orders for respiratory treatments, observe and monitor patient symptoms, and assist with administering medical gases (including hyperbaric or standard oxygen, vapor therapies and ventilation support). Administration of anesthesia falls outside the scope of practice of a respiratory therapist.

What You Need to Know

• How to apply for a respiratory therapist license
• How to renew a license
• Application and licensure fees
• Oregon laws and rules pertaining to respiratory therapists
• Continuing education requirements
• Other FAQs
• News on respiratory therapy from the Health Licensing Office blog

Scope of Practice Questions

Do you have a question about how a law or rule impacts your individualized practice? Please know that the Health Licensing Office (HLO) and its boards do not provide individualized advice on how the law applies to practice in the field. Here are some resources:

• If you are looking for an attorney to provide you with legal advice about the statutes and rules governing your licensure, the Oregon State Bar has information on how to hire a lawyer.
• If you wish to make a complaint against a person for violating HLO and the board's statutes or rules, you may use this complaint form.
• If you wish to make a public comment on the statutes and rules governing your licensure, interested party feedback is encouraged at all public meetings.
• Guidance on how to obtain a license is available on the HLO website.
• If you believe HLO and the board's rules need to be amended, you may file a rule petition with HLO for consideration. Please note that any rules must fit within HLO and the board's current statutory authority. Please also know that the board will consider your position but might not adopt your proposed rule. The statute that governs rule petitions is ORS 183.390.
• If you believe HLO and the board's statutes need to be amended, information about the legislative process is also available on the Oregon Legislature's website.

Please know the HLO and its boards remain neutral on substantive bills proposing changes to its laws and cannot act on your behalf in any proposals to change the governing statutes.

Archived Issue Responses

• Arterial/venous cannulation
• Arterial insert blood draw
• Administering nitroglycerin
• Administration of sleep medication and performance of Positive Airway Pressure titrations that involve setting respiratory tidal volumes or backup rates
• Pulmonary function testing
• Respiratory therapists independent practice

Questions?

For questions, please call (503) 378-8667, or go to the Health Licensing Office Contact Us page to search for staff that specialize in specific areas of expertise.