Maryland Health Occupations Section 14-5A-08

      (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an individual shall be licensed by the Board before the individual may practice respiratory care in this State.

      (b)      This section does not apply to an individual employed by the federal government as a respiratory care practitioner while the individual is practicing within the scope of that employment.

      (c)      (1)      (i)      In this subsection the following terms have the meanings indicated.

                  (ii)      "Educational program" means a respiratory care educational program approved by the American Medical Association.

                  (iii)      "Veteran" means an individual who:

                        1.      Has served on active duty in the United States armed forces;

                        2.      Has been honorably discharged; and

                        3.      Meets the requirements of this section.

                  (iv)      "Veterans' program" means a veterans' internship program in respiratory care for qualified veterans who are working in hospitals.

            (2)      This section does not apply to a veteran who:

                  (i)      Applies to the Board within 6 months of discharge, provides the Board the information required under this subsection, and is approved by the Board;

                  (ii)      Has practiced in the military with one of the following specialties:

                        1.      Navy 854 with successful completion of the U.S. Army Respiratory Care School;

                        2.      Army 91V; or

                        3.      United States Air Force 90450 or United States Air Force 90250 with advanced experience;

                  (iii)      Has practiced respiratory care for 2,000 hours in the 5 years immediately preceding discharge with experience in areas recommended and approved by the Board;

                  (iv)      Has documented completion of educational requirements in the military as approved by the Board with reference to the standards of the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education Modules; and

                  (v)      Has applied for admission in an approved educational program within 6 months of discharge.

            (3)      Within 30 days after the end of each semester or every 6 months, whichever is more frequent, a veteran shall submit evidence of successful continued enrollment in a respiratory care educational program with satisfactory academic standing as approved by the Board.

            (4)      If the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection are met, a veteran may practice in a veterans' program for up to 30 months from the date of the approval of the veteran's application for the veterans' program.

            (5)      Upon graduation from an approved educational program, a veteran:

                  (i)      Ceases to qualify to practice respiratory care under this section; and

                  (ii)      Shall apply for a temporary license required for all graduates of approved respiratory care programs.

            (6)      The Board may set and charge reasonable fees to implement the provisions of this subsection.

            (7)      The Board shall approve the application of each veteran who meets the requirements of this subsection.

            (8)      A veteran who practices respiratory care under this subsection is subject to the same disciplinary procedures and is held to the same standard of care as a respiratory care practitioner licensed under § 14-5A-11 of this subtitle.