Revising the Focus on Cardiopulmonary Deficiencies and Abnormalities
The statement, “treatment of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system,” could exclude patients who require respiratory therapy for conditions unrelated to cardiopulmonary issues. For example:

• Patients with neurological conditions may require respiratory therapy for airway protection.
• RTs may also provide preventative care for patients at risk of respiratory complications.

To make this definition more inclusive, I recommend revising the statement as follows:
“Practice as a licensed respiratory therapist means, upon receipt of written or verbal orders from a qualified practitioner and under qualified medical direction, the evaluation, care, and treatment of patients.”