21 NCAC 61 .0103 DEFINITIONS
The definitions of terms contained in G.S. 90-648 shall apply to the rules in this Chapter. In addition, the following definitions shall apply to the rules in this Chapter:
(1) "Assessment" means a clinical evaluation of an individual patient by a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or other licensed health care provider within their scope of practice to determine the ability and efficacy of a respiratory care procedure, protocol, or treatment, including an assessment of the suitability and efficacy of equipment for an individual patient if equipment is to be used in the procedure or treatment.
(2) "Respiratory care" means the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health and wellness using scientific principles to identify, treat and prevent acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system, pursuant to G.S. 90-648(11), that is taught in accredited educational programs pursuant to G.S. 90-653(3) or in approved continuing education programs pursuant to the rules of this Chapter within the guidelines established by the American Association for Respiratory Care, which are incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, pursuant to G.S. 90-648(10)(f). Copies of the guidelines may be found at https://www.aarc.org/resource/clinical-practice-guidelines/ at no cost.
(3) "The practice of respiratory care" means the performance of assessments and diagnostic tests, and implementation of treatment procedures and protocols related to the cardiopulmonary system pursuant to G.S. 90-648(10), and the activities defined by the American Association of Respiratory Care clinical guidelines, incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, pursuant to G.S. 90-648(10)(f). Copies of the guidelines may be found at https://www.aarc.org/resources/clinical-resources/clinical-practice-guidelines/ at no cost.
(4) "Medical gases" mean those inhaled gases used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary disease.
(5) "Humidity" means adding heat or moisture to an inhaled medical gas.
(6) "Aerosols" mean the suspension of particles dispersed in air or gas to deliver medication or humidity to the airways.
(7) "Pharmacologic agent" means a medication or medical gas delivered during a respiratory care procedure for the treatment of cardiopulmonary disease.
(8) "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy" means inhalation of high concentrations of oxygen at increased levels of atmospheric pressures within a total body chamber for the treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders or wounds.
(9) "Mechanical or physiological ventilatory support" means the provision of an apparatus to support gas exchange associated with cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
(10) "Hemodynamic monitoring" means a procedure required to monitor blood pressure invasively or noninvasively.
(11) "Diagnostic testing" means a procedure for assessing the function of the cardiopulmonary system and diagnosing cardiopulmonary disease or sleep related disorders.
(12) "Therapeutic application" means utilizing evidenced-based protocols, procedures, treatments, or modalities defined in this Chapter to maintain cardiopulmonary health or treat cardiopulmonary disease.
(13) "Active status" means a license issued to an individual after meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-653.
(14) "Inactive status" means an active license declared inactive by the licensee under G.S. 90‑658 (g).
(15) "Provisional status" means an active twelve month non-renewable license issued to an individual after meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-656.
(16) "Reciprocity status" means an active license issued to an individual after meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-655.
(18) "Entry-level examination" means a standardized outcomes assessment given by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc., used to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals applying for a license.
(19) "Equipment Setup" means the process of preparing, configuring, verifying, connecting, calibrating, positioning, and initiating a respiratory care apparatus for use by a patient, including delivery of the apparatus, its placement, and safe operational readiness, and providing instruction to the patient or caregiver in its correct use or fitting. This term does not mean the independent performance of patient‑specific therapeutic selection, evaluation of treatment efficacy, or the formulation of a care plan, which constitutes the practice of respiratory care under G.S. 90‑648(10) and 21 NCAC 61 .0103(3).
History Note: Authority G.S. 90-652; 90-648(2),(10), and (11); 90-660;
Temporary Adoption Eff. October 15, 2001;
Eff. August 1, 2002;
Amended Eff. September 1, 2010; January 1, 2007; March 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. August 22, 2015;
Amended Eff. September 1, 2026; July 1, 2018.