This section identifies who must be licensed as a respiratory care practitioner with the department and who is exempt from licensure.

(1) Any person performing or offering to perform the functions authorized in RCW 18.89.040 must be licensed as a respiratory care practitioner. A certification, registration or other credential issued by a professional organization does not substitute for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner in Washington state.

(2) The following individuals are exempt from licensure as a respiratory care practitioner with the department:

(a) Any person performing or offering to perform the functions authorized in RCW 18.89.040, if that person already holds a current licensure, certification or registration that authorizes these functions;

(b) Any person employed by the United States government who is practicing respiratory care as a performance of the duties prescribed for him or her by the laws of and rules of the United States;

(c) Any person who is pursuing a supervised course of study leading to a degree or certificate in respiratory care, if the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates his or her status as a student or trainee and limited to the extent of demonstrated proficiency of completed curriculum, and under direct supervision;

(d) Any person who is licensed as a registered nurse under chapter 18.79 RCW;

(e) Any person who is practicing respiratory care without compensation for a family member.