Section 8501. Definition of the practice of respiratory therapy

The
  practice of the  profession  of  respiratory  therapy,  which  shall  be
  undertaken  pursuant  to  the direction of a duly licensed physician, is
  defined as the performance of  cardiopulmonary  evaluation,  respiratory
  therapy  treatment  techniques, and education of the patient, family and
  public.
    1.  Evaluation   shall   include   the   acquisition,   analysis   and
  interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing
  diagnostic tests, studies and research of the cardiopulmonary system and
  neurophysiological studies related to respiratory care.
    2.  Therapy  shall  include  the application and monitoring of medical
  gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and  environmental  control  systems,
  mechanical ventilatory support, artificial airway care, bronchopulmonary
  hygiene,  pharmacologic  agents  related to respiratory care procedures,
  and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation related and  limited  to  respiratory
  care.
    3.  Respiratory  therapy  services  may  be  performed  pursuant  to a
  prescription of a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner.