Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 39

• Jurisdiction: Ontario

Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991

S.O. 1991, CHAPTER 39

Consolidation Period: From July 24, 2023 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 2023, c. 4, Sched. 2, s. 13.

Definitions

1 In this Act,

“College” means the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario; (“Ordre”)

“Health Professions Procedural Code” means the Health Professions Procedural Code set out in Schedule 2 to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991; (“Code des professions de la santé”)

“member” means a member of the College; (“membre”)

“profession” means the profession of respiratory therapy; (“profession”)

“this Act” includes the Health Professions Procedural Code. (“la présente loi”) 1991, c. 39, s. 1; 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2) - 01/02/1999

Health Professions Procedural Code

2 (1) The Health Professions Procedural Code shall be deemed to be part of this Act. 1991, c. 39, s. 2 (1).

Terms in Code

(2) In the Health Professions Procedural Code as it applies in respect of this Act,

“College” means the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario; (“ordre”)

“health profession Act” means this Act; (“loi sur une profession de la santé”)

“profession” means the profession of respiratory therapy; (“profession”)

“regulations” means the regulations under this Act. (“règlements”) 1991, c. 39, s. 2 (2); 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2).

Definitions in Code

(3) Definitions in the Health Professions Procedural Code apply with necessary modifications to terms in this Act. 1991, c. 39, s. 2 (3).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2) - 01/02/1999

Scope of practice

3 The practice of respiratory therapy is the providing of oxygen therapy, cardio-respiratory equipment monitoring and the assessment and treatment of cardio-respiratory and associated disorders to maintain or restore ventilation. 1991, c. 39, s. 3; 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2) - 01/02/1999

Authorized acts

4 In the course of engaging in the practice of respiratory therapy, a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, to perform the following:

1. Performing a prescribed procedure below the dermis.

2. Intubation beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow or beyond the larynx.

3. Suctioning beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow or beyond the larynx.

4. Administering a substance by injection or inhalation.

5. Administering a prescribed substance by inhalation. 1991, c. 39, s. 4; 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2); 2009, c. 26, s. 25 (1).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (2) - 01/02/1999

2009, c. 26, s. 25 (1) - 15/12/2009

Additional requirements for authorized acts

5 (1) A member shall not perform a procedure under the authority of paragraph 1, 2 or 4 of section 4 unless the procedure is ordered by,

(a) a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the College of Midwives of Ontario or the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario;

(b) a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario who holds an extended certificate of registration under the Nursing Act, 1991; or

(c) a member of a health profession that is prescribed by regulation. 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 44 (3).

Grounds for misconduct

(2) In addition to the grounds set out in subsection 51 (1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code, a panel of the Discipline Committee shall find that a member has committed an act of professional misconduct if...