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Licensing |
| Q.
|
How
are my fees determined, where do they go, and how are they used? |
| A. |
Fees are established under parameters found in the Ohio law regulating
the practice of respiratory care. Section 4761.07 O.R.C. establishes
a range of fees that the board may impose for each application. The
law states that the fees are non-refundable. The board is required,
under law, to generate sufficient revenue to meet its expenses. Within
the range provided, the board determines a fee based upon its biennial
budget requirements. Comparatively, Ohio respiratory care licensing
fees are average for the state of Ohio and actually inexpensive using
a national comparison. |
| Q. |
I am moving to the state of Ohio and need a license to practice. How
long does it take to get licensed in Ohio and can I practice prior
to receiving the license? |
| A.
|
The question
is more complicated than it sounds. The simple answer is that once
all paperwork is received, a decision on licensing would likely
be made within two weeks of the completion date. Delaying factors
include time to collect required documentation, previous disciplinary
action by another state or prior felony or misdemeanor records.
Based on the record, if the board proposes to refuse to issue a
license, a hearing would be offered resulting in another delay.
Non-residents
that hold licenses in other states are not automatically licensed
in Ohio. Although Ohio law permits the board to issue a license
based on reciprocity, it rarely does so. This is because no mutually
recognized compact exists among licensed states. Until such time
a board formally recognizes another state as having equivalent licensing
requirements, reciprocity is not an issuance option.
|
| Q.
|
Can
I verify that someone holds a license? |
| A.
|
Licenses
and limited permits can be verified by contacting the board's website
at respiratorycare.ohio.gov
or telephoning the board office at 614-752-9218. The board does not
charge a fee for this service. Written verifications for other states
may be sent upon request of the licensee. |
| Q. |
When does a license/permit need to be renewed? |
| A. |
Ohio operates on a two year cycle called a biennium. The biennium
starts on July 1st of every even year and ends on June 30th of the
next even year (i.e., 2002, 2004). Initial licensees receive a license
that is valid until the end of biennium in which it was issued. Thereafter,
renewal will be every two years. All licensees renew on the same schedule.
Limited permits, on the other hand, expire on June 30th of every year
and renew annually. Renewal applications are due on or before the
June 30th expiration date. After June 30th, a late renewal application
fee equal to 50% of the renewal fee will be imposed. Any license or
permit that has not renewed prior to June 30 expiration date will
be considered lapsed. |
| Q.
|
What
if my name or address changes? |
| A. |
Board rules requires licensees to inform the board of name and/or
address changes within sixty days of the change. The board will send
infrequent, but important, mail (i.e., renewal applications, rule
changes, etc.). It is very important that a correct address and name
be maintained on record. |
| |
Respiratory
Care Practice |
| Q.
|
Can
registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and assisting personnel
practice respiratory care? |
| A.
|
Registered nurses
and licensed practical nurses are licensed in the state of Ohio.
Under their license, they may provide nursing care, which may include
aspects of respiratory care. Under Ohio law, Section 4761.11 O.R.C.,
licensed professionals are exempted from having to hold a respiratory
care license if the licensed professional is practicing within the
scope of their practice and not representing that they are engaged
in the practice of respiratory care.
In a hospital
or nursing facility, unlicensed assisting personnel may provide
limited aspects of respiratory care under the delegation of a nurse
or the direction of a physician. Two examples of limited aspects
of respiratory care are provided in law and only the respiratory
care board can determine if a task or service meets the standard
established by the examples provided.
In settings
whose primary purpose is other than the provision of health care,
assisting personnel may practice respiratory care under the delegation
of a registered nurse and in accordance with the rules of delegation
established by the Ohio board of nursing.
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