West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 30 - Respiratory Care
West Virginia Code of State Rules – Agency 30: Respiratory Care
Overview:
Agency 30 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules (CSR) establishes the rules and standards for respiratory care practitioners as regulated by the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care (WVBORC). These rules implement the provisions of West Virginia Code §30-34, known as the Respiratory Care Practice Act.
The primary aim is to protect public health and safety by regulating the licensing, conduct, and professional practice of respiratory therapists (RTs) and technicians.
Key Rule Series Under Agency 30:
🔹 §30-1: General Provisions and Definitions
Defines key terms such as:
“Respiratory care”
“Direct supervision”
“Credentialing agency”
Clarifies the scope of practice, including therapeutic procedures, diagnostic testing, and patient assessment in cardiopulmonary care.
🔹 §30-2: Licensing Requirements
Initial Licensure Requirements:
Graduate from a CoARC-accredited program.
Pass the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) exam.
Submit background checks and application forms.
Types of Licenses:
Permanent license
Temporary permits (e.g., for recent graduates)
Reciprocity:
Licensing provisions for practitioners licensed in other states.
🔹 §30-3: License Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed biennially.
Continuing Education (CE):
Typically 20 hours every two years.
At least some hours must pertain to ethics or law.
CE must be approved by NBRC, AARC, or equivalent organizations.
🔹 §30-4: Practice Standards and Supervision
Details professional responsibilities, such as:
Administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy.
Ventilator management.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care.
Clarifies when direct or general supervision is required (e.g., student interns, technicians).
Provides rules for documentation and delegation of tasks.
🔹 §30-5: Disciplinary Actions and Complaints
Lists grounds for disciplinary action, including:
Unprofessional conduct
Substance abuse
Criminal conviction
Practicing without a license
Outlines complaint investigation, hearing procedures, and possible sanctions (fines, suspension, revocation).
🔹 §30-6: Code of Ethics
Respiratory care practitioners must:
Treat all patients with dignity and respect.
Uphold confidentiality and informed consent.
Report unsafe or unethical conduct.
Avoid misrepresentation or fraudulent behavior.
Legal Authority:
West Virginia Code §30-34 – Respiratory Care Practice Act
Administered by the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care
Board Website and Resources:
Application and renewal portals
CEU tracking
License lookup
Rule updates and public notices
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