Can unlicensed assistive personnel do respiratory therapy tasks?
The scope of practice for the respiratory therapist indicates that a skilled professional is required for the specific tasks listed in the Public Health Code. It is possible for others to perform some of those tasks but the unlicensed assistive personnel must be well-trained and have met a competency standard established by the employer. The employer must establish clear policies and documented standards for who can perform specific tasks that are under the direction of skilled staff. The licensed professional is delegating the performance of specific tasks under the scope of the professional license to unlicensed assistive personnel. The licensee is ultimately responsible for the tasks delegated to “unskilled” staff.
