The following wording has been taken directly from SB751 (now ACT 55 of 2004) regarding the new continuing education requirement for respiratory therapists in Pennsylvania that was signed into law on July 2, 2004. This wording amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 under which respiratory therapists are issued certificates to practice by the State Board of Medicine.
The language is identical in SB752 which amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act of 1978 was also signed into law. Therefore, all Pennsylvania respiratory therapists will be effected by the information provided below.
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Please Note:
The term "Board" refers to the PA State Board of Medicine.
The term "Act" refers to ACT 55 (formerly known as SB751).
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(F) CONTINUING EDUCATION.
(1) The board shall adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act establishing requirements of continuing education to be met by individuals holding certification as Respiratory Care Practitioners under this Act as a condition for certificate renewal. The regulations shall include any fees necessary for the Board to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
(2) Beginning with the license period designated by regulation, certificate holders shall be required to attend and complete 20 hours of mandatory continuing education during each two-year certificate period.
(3) An individual applying for the first time for certification in this commonwealth shall be exempted from the continuing education requirement for the biennial renewal period following initial certification.
(4) The Board may waive all or a poriton of the continuing education requirement for biennial renewal for a certificate holder who shows to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she was unable to omplete the requirements due to serious illness, military service or other demonstrated hardship. The request shall be made in writing, with appropriate documentation, and shall include a description of circumstances sufficient to show why the certificate holder is unable to comply with the continuing education requirement. Waiver requests shall be evaluated by the Board on a case-by-case basis. The Board shall send the certificate holder written notification of its approval or denial of a waiver request.
(5) A certificate holder seeking to reinstate an inactive or lapsed certificate shall show proof of compliance with the continuing education requirement for the preceding biennium.
(6) All courses, locations, instructors and providers shall be approved by the Board. No credit shall be given for any course in Office Management.
(7) The Board shall initiate the promulgation of regulations to carry out the provisions of this section within one year of the effective date of this section.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect in 60 days.
