§ 63-27-114. [reserved.]

Blood gas analysis, and maintenance and quality assurance of a blood gas laboratory may not be performed by any practitioner licensed under this chapter unless:

1. In the case of a registered respiratory therapist or certified respiratory therapist, the registered respiratory therapist or certified respiratory therapist:

   1. Has been trained in blood gas analysis as approved by the board;
   2. Has been granted a license by the board bearing the endorsement “ABG analyst”; and
   3. Holds either the NBRC credentials “CRT,” “CRTT” or “RRT” or has passed a board approved examination testing competency for blood gas analysis; and
2. In the case of a respiratory assistant:

   1. Has been trained in blood gas analysis as approved by the board;
   2. Has been granted a license by the board bearing the endorsement “ABG analyst”; and
   3. Has passed a board approved examination testing competency for blood gas analysis. The National Board for Respiratory Care entry level examination, as provided to the board by the NBRC, by contract, is the examination accepted by the board. This examination will not grant the respiratory assistant the NBRC credential. In addition, the board reserves the right to write its own state council examination or contract with other national testing organizations.