Section 3739.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every person who has filed an application for licensure with the board may, between the dates specified by the board, perform as a respiratory care practitioner applicant under the direct supervision of a respiratory care practitioner licensed in this state provided he or she has met education requirements for licensure as may be certified by his or her respiratory care program, and if ever attempted, has passed the national respiratory therapist examination.

(2) During this period the applicant shall identify himself or herself only as a "respiratory care practitioner applicant."

(3) If for any reason the license is not issued, all privileges under this subdivision shall automatically cease on the date specified by the board.

(b) If an applicant fails the national respiratory therapist examination, all privileges under this section shall automatically cease on the date specified by the board.

(c) No applicant for a respiratory care practitioner license shall be authorized to perform as a respiratory care practitioner applicant if cause exists to deny the license.

(d) "Under the direct supervision" means assigned to a respiratory care practitioner who is on duty and immediately available in the assigned patient care area.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 621, Sec. 42. Effective January 1, 2006.)