As used in this chapter:
(1) “Licensed allied health practitioner” means any person formally trained and tested in an allied health field qualified to deliver medical care to the public and licensed in the State of Arkansas;
(2) “Qualified medical director” means a licensed physician who is the medical director of any inpatient or outpatient respiratory care service, department, home care agency, or long-term care facility;
(3)
(A) “Respiratory care” means the practice of the principles, techniques, psychology, and theories of cardiopulmonary medicine under the verbal or written direction or prescription of a licensed physician or under the supervision of a qualified medical director, or both.
(B) Respiratory care shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(i) Evaluation and treatment of individuals whose cardiopulmonary functions have been threatened or impaired by developmental defects, the aging process, physical injury or disease, or anticipated dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system;
(ii) Evaluation techniques, including cardiopulmonary function assessment, gas exchange evaluation, the need and effectiveness of therapeutic modalities and procedures, and assessment and evaluation of the need for extended care and home care procedures and equipment; and
(iii)
(a) The professional application of techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in the administration of respiratory care, such as:
(1) Therapeutic gas administration;
(2) Prescribed medications;
(3) Emergency cardiac, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures;
(4) Establishing and maintaining artificial airways;
(5) Cardiopulmonary function tests;
(6) Testing and obtaining physiological evaluation of arterial and venous blood samples;
(7) Exercises designed for the rehabilitation of the cardiopulmonary handicapped;
(8) Maintaining postural drainage, vibration and chest percussion, aerosol administration, breathing exercises, and artificial and mechanical ventilation; and
(9) Cleaning and sterilization of cardiopulmonary function equipment and its maintenance.
(b) Those techniques may be applied in the treatment of the individual or patient in groups or through healthcare facilities, organizations, or agencies; and
(4) “Respiratory care practitioner” means a licensed person who practices respiratory care as defined in this chapter under the prescription and direction of a licensed physician.