N.M. Stat. § 61-12B-3 — NM Code / Chapter 61 / Article 12B / Section 61-12B-3
§ 61-12B-3. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in the Respiratory Care Act:

A. “ board ” means the advisory board of respiratory care practitioners;

B. “ department ” means the regulation and licensing department or that division of the department designated to administer the provisions of the Respiratory Care Act;

C. “ respiratory care ” means a health care profession, under medical direction, employed in the therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities that affect the cardiopulmonary system and associated aspects of other system functions, and the terms “respiratory therapy” and “inhalation therapy” where such terms mean respiratory care;

D. “ practice of respiratory care ” includes:

(1) direct and indirect cardiopulmonary care services that are of comfort, safe, aseptic, preventative and restorative to the patient;

(2) cardiopulmonary care services, including the administration of pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to cardiopulmonary care necessary to implement treatment, disease prevention, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation or a diagnostic regimen, including paramedical therapy and baromedical therapy;

(3) specific diagnostic and testing techniques employed in the medical management of patients to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and research of cardiopulmonary abnormalities, including pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic and physiologic monitoring of cardiac function and collection of arterial and venous blood for analysis;

(4) observation, assessment and monitoring of signs and symptoms, general behavior, general physical response to cardiopulmonary care treatment and diagnostic testing, including determination of whether such signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics;

(5) implementation based on observed abnormalities, appropriate reporting, referral, respiratory care protocols or changes in treatment, pursuant to a prescription by a physician authorized to practice medicine or other person authorized by law to prescribe, or the initiation of emergency procedures or as otherwise permitted in the Respiratory Care Act;

(6) establishing and maintaining the natural airways, insertion and maintenance of artificial airways, bronchopulmonary hygiene and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, along with cardiac and ventilatory life support assessment and evaluation; and

(7) the practice performed in a clinic, hospital, skilled nursing facility, private dwelling or other place deemed appropriate or necessary by the department;

E. “ expanded practice ” means the practice of respiratory care by a respiratory care practitioner who has been prepared through a formal training program to function beyond the scope of practice of respiratory care as defined by rule of the department;

F. “ respiratory care practitioner ” means a person who is licensed to practice respiratory care in New Mexico;

G. “ respiratory care protocols ” means a predetermined, written medical care plan, which can include standing orders;

H. “ respiratory therapy training program ” means an education course of study as defined by rule of the department; and

I. “ superintendent ” means the superintendent of regulation and licensing.