Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

378Chapter 16 - Profession of Respiratory Therapy• Analysis of the body's response to stress (exercise), cardiac electricalactivity electrocardiogram (ECG); sleep studies (polysomnography);• Transporting patients to the hospital and between hospitals; andCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); controlling and supplyingmedical gases; patient, family and caregiver education; and healthpromotion. 2RTs work collaboratively with other health professionals in both hospitaland community-based settings, including public hospitals, asthma centres,community health centres, long-term care homes and rehabilitationfacilities. People with conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis,emphysema, occupational lung disease and cystic fibrosis, may use oxygentherapy at home, with routine assessments provided by RTs who areemployed by oxygen suppliers.CRTO reports a 2007/2008 total membership of 2,516 regulated RTs (including179 inactive members). 3 This is an increase of 129 new general members over2006/2007. 4Legislative and Regulatory Framework for thePractice of Respiratory TherapyThe scope of practice for respiratory therapy is defined in the RespiratoryTherapy Act, 1991 as follows:The practice of respiratory therapy is the providing of oxygen therapy,cardio-respiratory equipment monitoring and the assessment andtreatment of cardio-respiratory and associated disorders to maintainor restore ventilation. 5The Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991 defines the controlled acts authorizedto RTs as follows:In the course of engaging in the practice of respiratory therapy,a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditions andlimitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration,to perform the following:1. Performing a prescribed procedure below the dermis.2. Intubation beyond the point in the nasal passages where theynormally narrow or beyond the larynx.3. Suctioning beyond the point in the nasal passages where theynormally narrow or beyond the larynx.4. Administering a substance by injection or inhalation. 62College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. www.crto.on.ca.3College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. Annual Report 2007/2008:13.4Ibid.5Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 39, s.3.6Ibid: s.4.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009