STANDARD I
Respiratory Therapists will treat patients who have been referred by a qualified medical practitioner.
STANDARD II
Respiratory Therapists shall assess all referred patients prior to the initiation of treatment, understand the objective of the procedure and clarify with the physician if necessary. Respiratory Therapists shall provide a written treatment plan outlining modality of therapy and probable frequency of assessments as per patient classification protocol.
STANDARD III
Respiratory Therapists will provide the planned modalities of treatment in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and practice insuring the diagnostic/therapeutic procedure is consistent and correct for the patient's condition.
STANDARD IV
Respiratory Therapists will evaluate the patient's progress towards the achievement of anticipated objectives and will maintain, revise or discontinue the treatment plan as required in consultation with the physician and in accordance with the department assessment protocol.
STANDARD V
Respiratory Therapists will maintain effective communications with the attending physician and appropriate health care personnel as to the patient's respiratory status and progress.
STANDARD VI
Respiratory Therapists shall notify and discuss with the responsible physician if the ordered procedure will be detrimental to the patient's condition.
STANDARD VII
Respiratory Therapists will document initial assessments and patient response to therapy in the patient care record. Respiratory Therapists will document all pertinent information by exception to normal protocol on the patient care record.