Board of Respiratory Care
About
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About the Board of Respiratory Care
The Board of Respiratory Care was created in 1998 to succeed the Board of Medical Examiners Council on Respiratory Care. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring that all that practice respiratory care within this state are qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses and certificates to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is also responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules, and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violation.
The Board works with the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program which provides peer assistance to impaired practitioners in an effort to both protect the public and rehabilitate practitioners who can safely return to the practice of respiratory care.
The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Renewal notices are mailed from the Board's administrative office forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. Licenses can be renewed on-line one hundred twenty (120) days prior to expiration at Tennessee.gov/health. Click on the "License Renewal" link and follow the prompts. Licensees are responsible for renewing their licenses on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. It is a violation of the law and of the board’s rules to practice on an expired license.
Licenses or certificates are awarded in the following categories:
- Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists
- Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapists
- Respiratory Care Assistant (Renewals Only)
The Board currently meets four (4) times per year. The Governor appoints all members of the Board. The Board consists of four (4) respiratory care practitioners holding credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care, at least two (2) of whom shall be respiratory therapists; one (1) practicing physician with expertise in pulmonary medicine; one (1) hospital administrator, one (1) hospital employee licensed as a respiratory therapist, and one (1) consumer member. A majority of members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the public.
Contact the Board of Respiratory Care
615-532-5090 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide, or write:
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Email: Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov