33-43-111. Temporary licenses.
The board shall issue a license to perform respiratory care to an applicant, who, prior to July 1, 2003, has passed the entry level or advanced practitioner examinations administered by the national board for respiratory care or its equivalent. Other applicants who are not students in a respiratory care education program and have not passed either of the examinations under this section or their equivalents prior to July 1, 2003, and who through written evidence, verified by oath, demonstrate that they are presently functioning in the capacity of a respiratory care practitioner as defined by this act, shall be given a temporary license to practice respiratory care for a period up to five (5) years commencing July 1, 2003. The applicants shall pass the licensure examination administered by the board during the five (5) year period in order to be issued a license to practice respiratory care.