Probation Program

The Respiratory Care Board's (RCB) disciplinary guidelines included in the California Code of Regulations, by reference, are used to determine appropriate discipline and include language for terms and conditions of probation, which is subject to modification on a case-by-case basis.

The "standard conditions" are generally imposed in all probationary orders. "Specialty conditions" are only imposed as part of the order if the cause for action warrants such. Here is a list of each term and condition:

Standard Conditions

Obey All Laws

Respondent shall obey all laws, whether federal, state, or local. The Respondent shall also obey all regulations governing the practice of respiratory care in California.

Respondent shall notify the RCB in writing within three (3) days of any incident resulting in his/her arrest, or charges filed against, or a citation issued against, Respondent.

Quarterly Reports

Respondent shall file quarterly reports of compliance under penalty of perjury, on forms to be provided, to the probation monitor assigned by the RCB. Omission or falsification in any manner of any information on these reports shall constitute a violation of probation and shall result in the filing of an accusation and/or a petition to revoke probation against Respondent's respiratory care practitioner license.

Quarterly report forms will be provided by the RCB. Respondent is responsible for contacting the RCB to obtain additional forms if needed. Quarterly reports are due for each year of probation and the entire length of probation as follows:

  • January 1 - March 31 must be reported between April 1 - April 7
  • April 1 - June 30 must be reported between July 1 - July 7
  • July 1 - September 30 must be reported between October 1 - October 7
  • October 1 - December 31 must be reported between January 1 - January 7

Probation Monitoring Program

Respondent shall comply with requirements of the RCB appointed probation monitoring program, and shall, upon reasonable request, report to or appear to a local venue as directed.

Respondent shall claim all certified mail issued by the RCB, respond to all notices of reasonable requests timely, appear as requested by the RCB, and submit Annual Reports, Identification Update reports or other reports similar in nature, as requested and directed by the RCB or its representative.

Respondent shall provide to the RCB the names, physical work addresses, work mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all employers, human resources personnel, directors, managers, supervisors, and contractors, and any person providing direct supervision, and shall give specific, written consent that the Respondent authorizes the RCB and its representatives and the employers, human resources personnel, directors, managers, supervisors, and contractors, and any person providing direct supervision, to communicate regarding the Respondent's work status, performance, and monitoring. Monitoring includes, but is not limited to, any violation or potential violation of any probationary term and condition.

Respondent is encouraged to contact the RCB's Probation Program at any time he/she has a question or concern regarding his/her terms and conditions of probation.

Probation Monitoring Costs

All costs incurred for probation monitoring during the entire probation shall be paid by the Respondent. The monthly cost may be adjusted as expenses are reduced or increased. Respondent's failure to comply with all terms and conditions may also cause this amount to be increased. Probation monitoring costs will not be tolled.

All payments for costs are to be sent directly to the Respiratory Care RCB and must be received by the date(s) specified. (Periods of tolling will not toll the probation monitoring costs incurred.)

If Respondent is unable to submit costs for any month, he/she shall be required, instead to submit an explanation of why he/she is unable to submit the costs, and the date(s) he/she will be able to submit the costs including payment amount(s). Supporting documentation and evidence of why the Respondent is unable to make such payment(s) must accompany this submission.

Respondent understands that failure to submit costs timely is a violation of probation and submission of evidence demonstrating financial hardship does not preclude the RCB from pursuing further disciplinary action. However, Respondent understands that by providing evidence and supporting documentation of financial hardship it may delay further disciplinary action.

In addition to any other disciplinary action taken by the RCB, an unrestricted license will not be issued at the end of the probationary period and the respiratory care practitioner license will not be renewed, until such time all probation monitoring costs have been paid.

The filing of bankruptcy by the Respondent shall not relieve the Respondent of his/her responsibility to reimburse the RCB for costs incurred.

Employment Requirement

Respondent shall be employed a minimum of 24 hours per week as a respiratory care practitioner for a minimum of 2/3 of his/her probation period.

Respondent may substitute successful completion of a minimum of 30 additional continuing education hours, beyond that which is required for license renewal, for each eight (8) months of employment required. Respondent shall submit proof to the RCB of successful completion of all continuing education requirements. Respondent is responsible for paying all costs associated with fulfilling this term and condition of probation.

Notice to Employer

Respondent shall be required to inform all current and subsequent employers, directors, managers, supervisors, and contractors during the probation period, of the discipline imposed by this decision by providing his/her current and subsequent human resources personnel, directors, managers, supervisors, and contractors with a complete copy of the decision and order, and the Statement(s) of Issues or Accusation(s) in this matter prior to the beginning of or returning to employment or within three (3) days from each change in a supervisor or director.

If Respondent is employed by or through a registry [and is not restricted from working for a registry], Respondent shall also make each hospital or establishment to which he/she is sent aware of the discipline imposed by this decision by providing his/her human resources personnel, manager, and supervisor for each shift, at each hospital or establishment with a copy of this decision, and the Statement(s) of Issues or Accusation(s) in this matter prior to the beginning of employment. This must be done each time there is a change in supervisors or administrators.

The employer will then inform the RCB, in writing, that he/she is aware of the discipline, on forms to be provided to the Respondent. Respondent is responsible for contacting the RCB to obtain additional forms if needed. All reports completed by the employer must be submitted from the employer directly to the RCB.

In addition, any employer, director, manager, supervisor or contractor, shall report to the RCB immediately, within 24 hours, if he/she suspects Respondent is under the influence of alcohol or any substance or has had any occurrence of substance abuse.

Supervisor Quarterly Report of Performance

Supervisor Quarterly Reports of Performance are due for each year of probation and the entire length of probation from each employer, as follows:

  • January 1 - March 31 must be reported between April 1 - April 7
  • April 1 - June 30 must be reported between July 1 - July 7
  • July 1 - September 30 must be reported between October 1 - October 7
  • October 1 - December 31 must be reported between January 1 - January 7

Respondent is ultimately responsible for ensuring his/her employer(s) submits complete and timely reports.

Changes of Employment or Residence

Respondent shall notify the RCB, and appointed probation monitor, in writing, of any and all changes of employment, location, and address within three (3) days of such change. This includes but is not limited to applying for employment, termination or resignation from employment, change in employment status, change in supervisors, administrators or directors.

Respondent shall also notify his/her probation monitor AND the RCB IN WRITING of any changes of residence or mailing address within three (3) days. P.O. Boxes are accepted for mailing purposes, however the Respondent must also provide his/her physical residence address as well.

Cost Recovery

Respondent shall pay to the RCB a sum not to exceed the costs of the investigation and prosecution of this case. That sum shall be $ ____ and shall be paid in full directly to the RCB, in equal quarterly payments, within 12 months from the effective date of this decision. Cost recovery will not be tolled.

If Respondent is unable to submit costs timely, he/she shall be required, instead to submit an explanation of why he/she is unable to submit these costs in part or in entirety, and the date(s) he/she will be able to submit the costs including payment amount(s). Supporting documentation and evidence of why the Respondent is unable to make such payment(s) must accompany this submission.

Respondent understands that failure to submit costs timely is a violation of probation and submission of evidence demonstrating financial hardship does not preclude the RCB from pursuing further disciplinary action. However, Respondent understands that by providing evidence and supporting documentation of financial hardship may delay further disciplinary action.

Consideration to financial hardship will not be given should Respondent violate this term and condition, unless an unexpected AND unavoidable hardship is established from the date of this order to the date payment(s) is due.

The filing of bankruptcy by the Respondent shall not relieve the Respondent of his/her responsibility to reimburse the RCB for these costs.

Tolling for Out-of-State Residence or Practice

Periods of residency or practice outside California, whether the periods of residency or practice are temporary or permanent, will toll the probation period but will not toll the obey all laws, quarterly reports, probation monitoring program, probation monitoring costs, or cost recovery requirements. Travel out of California for more than 30 days must be reported to the RCB in writing prior to departure. Respondent shall notify the RCB, in writing, within three (3) days, upon his/her return to California and prior to the commencement of any employment where representation as a respiratory care practitioner is/was provided.

Valid License Status

Respondent shall maintain a current, active and valid license for the length of the probation period. Failure to pay all fees and meet CE requirements prior to his/her license expiration date shall constitute a violation of probation.

Violation of Probation

If Respondent commits a "A Major Violation," as identified in the Disciplinary Guidelines, incorporated by reference pursuant to section 1399.374, he/she shall receive a notice to cease the practice of respiratory care, as directed by the RCB. The RCB shall attempt to contact Respondent by electronic and/or telephonic means to advise him/her of the notice to cease practice and shall deliver such notice by certified and regular mail. The RCB shall update its licensing database to reflect the status of the license.

If the Respondent is ordered to cease practice, he/she may file a written appeal, within 10 days of the date of the notice to cease practice, to provide additional evidence disputing the finding of the violation(s) that was cause for the notice to cease practice. The Executive Officer will review the appeal and make a determination in the matter, within 10 days from the date the written appeal and all supporting evidence or documentation is received. The probationer shall be notified of the outcome by certified mail.

Respondent shall not resume the practice of respiratory care until a final decision on an accusation and/or petition to revoke probation is made or until such time as the RCB delivers written notification that the notice to cease practice has been dissolved. The cessation of practice shall not apply to the reduction of the probationary time period.

The RCB will contact the Respondent and his/her employers, human resources personnel, directors, managers, supervisors, and contractors and notify them that Respondent has been issued a notice to cease practice.

In addition, if Respondent violates any term of the probation in any respect, the RCB, after giving Respondent notice and the opportunity to be heard, may revoke probation and carry out the disciplinary order that was stayed.

If a petition to revoke probation is filed against Respondent during probation, the RCB shall have continuing jurisdiction and the period of probation shall be extended until the matter is final. No petition for modification of penalty shall be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation or other penalty pending against Respondent.

Completion of Probation

Upon successful completion of probation, Respondent's license shall be fully restored.

Standard Conditions Involving Alcohol or Drugs

Work Schedules

Respondent shall be required to submit to the probation monitor work schedules on a weekly/monthly basis for the length of probation for each and every place of employment. Respondent shall ensure the RCB has a copy of her/his current work schedule at all times for each place of employment.

Biological Fluid Testing

Respondent, at his/her expense, shall participate in random testing, including but not limited to biological fluid testing (i.e. urine, blood, saliva), breathalyzer, hair follicle testing, and/or any drug screening program approved by the RCB.

Respondent shall be required to make daily contact, to determine if he/she is required to submit a specimen for testing, each day, including weekends, holidays, and vacations in or outside of California, at a lab approved by the RCB. RCB representatives may also appear unannounced, at any time to collect a specimen. All collections will be observed.

At all times, Respondent shall fully cooperate with the RCB or any of its representatives, and shall, when directed, appear for testing as requested and submit to such tests and samples for the detection of alcohol, narcotics, hypnotic, dangerous drugs or other controlled substances. All alternative testing sites, due to vacation or travel outside of California must be approved by the RCB, 30 days prior to the vacation or travel.

If Respondent is unable to provide a specimen in a reasonable amount of time from the request, while at the work site, Respondent understands that any RCB representative may request from the supervisor, manager or director on duty to observe Respondent in a manner that does not interrupt or jeopardize patient care in any manner until such time Respondent provides a specimen acceptable to the RCB.

If Respondent tests positive for a banned substance (including testing positive for ETG), the RCB will contact the Respondent and his/her employers, human resources personnel, directors, managers, supervisors, and/or contractors and notify them of the positive test, including the substance(s) and levels detected. Thereafter, the RCB may contact the specimen collector, laboratory, Respondent, treating physician, treatment provider and/or support group facilitators to determine whether the positive test is evidence of prohibited use. If the RCB determines the positive test is not evidence of prohibited use, the RCB shall inform the Respondent and others previously contacted, that the positive test was not a violation of his/her probationary order.

Abstention from Use of Mood Altering Substances

For purposes of these terms and conditions, a banned substance includes alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances and any and all other mood altering drugs and substances. Respondent shall completely abstain from the possession or use of all banned substances and their associated paraphernalia. Respondent may take other medication when lawfully prescribed by a licensed practitioner as part of a documented medical treatment. Respondent shall provide the RCB a copy of a prescription within five (5) days of the date the prescription was filled.

Respondent shall execute a release authorizing the release of pharmacy and prescribing records as well as physical and mental health medical records. Respondent shall also provide information of treating physicians, counselors or any other treating professional as requested by the RCB.

Respondent shall ensure that he/she is not in the presence of or in the same physical location as individuals who are using illegal substances, even if Respondent is not personally ingesting the drug(s). Respondent shall also ensure he/she is not ingesting or using any product that contains trace amounts of alcohol or any other banned substances (e.g. cold/flu medications, cough syrups, diet pills/products, mouth wash, skin care or hygiene products, perfumes, poppy seeds, dessert or any foods, etc...).

Any positive result that registers over the established laboratory cutoff level for a banned substance, shall be reported to each of Respondent's employers.

Specialty Conditions

Suspension

As part of probation, Respondent shall be suspended from the practice of respiratory care for a period of ____, beginning the effective date of this decision. If not employed as a respiratory care practitioner or if currently on any other type of leave from employment, the suspension shall be served once employment has been established or reestablished and prior to the end of the probationary period. Respondent shall ensure that each employer informs the RCB, in writing, that it is aware of the dates of suspension.

Respondents required to engage in Biological Fluid Testing, shall be suspended for a minimum of 10-60 days.

Respondents required to undergo a Psychological Evaluation, shall be suspended for a minimum of 30-90 days.

Restriction of Practice

Respondent may not be employed or function as a member of respiratory care management or supervisory staff during the entire length of probation. This includes lead functions. Respondent is prohibited from working as part of a transport team. Respondent is also prohibited from providing instruction or supervision to respiratory care students or applicants whether in a clinical or classroom setting.

[ ] Respondent is prohibited from working in home care or for a registry.

[ ] Respondent is prohibited from working with ____ (i.e. neonates, elderly, comatose patients, children).

Direct Supervision

During the period of probation, Respondent shall be under the direct supervision of a person holding a current and valid non-restricted RCB license, who has not previously been disciplined by the RCB. The Respondent shall not have a financial, personal, or familial relationship with the licensee, or other relationship that could reasonably be expected to compromise the ability to provide supervision and render impartial and unbiased reports to the RCB.

Respondent shall be required to provide a copy of the Statement of Issues or Accusation and decision in this matter and the person providing direct supervision shall inform the RCB in writing that he/she is aware of the discipline. "Under the direct supervision" means assigned to a respiratory care practitioner who is on duty and immediately available in the assigned patient area. The RCB shall be informed in writing of and approve the persons authorized to provide supervision and the level of supervision prior to the commencement of work.

Respondent shall be required to submit to the probation monitor work schedules on a weekly/monthly basis for the length of probation and identify who is providing supervision for each shift. Respondent shall ensure the RCB has a copy of her/his current work schedule identifying supervisor(s) at all times for each place of employment.

In addition to completing supervisor quarterly reports, any employer, director, manager, supervisor or contractor, shall report to the RCB immediately, within 24 hours, if he/she suspects Respondent is under the influence of alcohol or any substance or has had any occurrence of substance abuse.

Additional Continuing Education

Respondent shall be required to complete additional Continuing Education, approved by the RCB, beyond that which is required for license renewal. A minimum of 15 additional hours is required for each year of probation. Respondent shall submit proposed courses to the RCB 30 days in advance for approval consideration. Respondent shall also submit proof to the RCB of successful completion of all continuing education requirements.

Education/Course Work

As directed by the RCB, Respondent shall be required to successfully complete 3-12 semester units (or its equivalent) of education courses in California at an institution approved by the RCB in addition to the continuing education required for the renewal of licensure. The course selection shall be submitted to and approved by the RCB in advance. The RCB, at its discretion, may require the education to be in a specific area of study. Successful completion is a grade of "C" or "70%" or better for any completed course.

Respondent shall be required to submit proof of successful completion in the form of official transcripts no later than 12 months prior to the date probation is scheduled to end.

Failure to timely and successfully complete approved courses at an approved institution(s), or provide documentation thereof shall constitute a violation of probation.

Respondent is responsible for paying all costs associated with fulfilling this term and condition of probation.

Competence Examination

Within six (6) months of the effective date of this decision and/or as designated by the RCB, Respondent shall be required to take and pass a written competency examination as designated by the RCB. This examination shall be taken on a date specified by the RCB and Respondent shall pay all examination fees.

Respondent's failure to appear for or pass any scheduled examination will be noted as failure to pass or failure to successfully complete the examination. Respondent's failure to successfully complete the examination after one scheduled examination, shall constitute incompetence and a violation of probation. Failure to pay costs for the examination, shall also constitute a violation of probation.

Alcohol and/or Drug Treatment

Respondent, at his/her expense, shall successfully complete a treatment regimen at a recognized and established program in California of at least six (6) months duration approved by the RCB. The treatment program shall be successfully completed within the first nine (9) months of probation. The program director, psychiatrist or psychologist shall confirm that Respondent has complied with the requirement of this decision and shall notify the RCB immediately if he/she believes the Respondent cannot safely practice. Respondent shall execute a release authorizing divulgence of this information to the RCB.

Respondent shall inform the program director, psychiatrist or psychologist, of his/her probationary status with the RCB, and shall cause that individual to submit monthly reports to the RCB providing information concerning Respondent's progress and prognosis. Such reports shall include results of biological fluid testing. Positive results shall be reported immediately to the RCB and shall be used in administrative discipline. Respondent shall execute a release authorizing clinical providers to divulge the aforementioned information to the RCB.

Psychological Examination

Within 60 days of the effective date of this decision, and on a periodic basis thereafter as may be required or directed by the RCB, Respondent, at his/her own expense, shall have a mental health examination, including psychological assessment and testing as appropriate, to determine his/her capacity to perform all professional duties with safety to self and to the public.

The examination will be performed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist appointed by the RCB. The evaluator shall have three (3) years experience in conducting evaluations in accordance with acceptable professional standards. The evaluator shall not have a current or past financial relationship, personal relationship, or business relationship with the licensee.

Respondent shall provide this evaluator with a copy of the RCB's disciplinary order prior to the evaluation.

The examiner must submit a written report of that assessment and recommendations to the RCB within 10 days, unless additional time is needed, but not to exceed 30 days. If the evaluator determines that a licensee is a threat to himself/herself or others, the evaluator shall notify the RCB within 24 hours of such a determination. Recommendations for cessation or restriction of practice for the safety of patients, treatment, therapy or counseling made as a result of the mental health examination, will be instituted and followed by the Respondent.

Respondent shall execute a release authorizing the evaluator to divulge all findings and/or information revealed through the evaluation process, to the RCB.

All costs incurred for evaluation and treatment are the responsibility of the Respondent. Failure to timely pay for the evaluation shall also constitute a violation of probation.

Physical Examination

Within 60 days of the effective date of this decision, Respondent, at his/her expense, shall undergo an assessment of his/her physical condition by a physician appointed by the RCB. Respondent shall provide the examining physician with a copy of the RCB's disciplinary order prior to the examination. The examining physician must submit a written report of his/her findings to the RCB. If medically determined, a recommended treatment program will be instituted and followed by the Respondent with the physician providing written reports to the RCB on forms provided by the RCB.

If the examining physician finds that Respondent is not physically fit to practice or can only practice with restrictions, the examining physician shall notify the RCB within three (3) working days. The RCB shall notify Respondent in writing of the examining physician's determination of unfitness to practice and shall order the Respondent to cease or restrict licensed activities as a condition of probation. Respondent shall comply with this condition until the RCB is satisfied of Respondent's fitness to practice safely and has so notified the Respondent. Respondent shall document compliance in the manner required by the RCB.

Respondent shall execute a release authorizing the physician to divulge the aforementioned information to the RCB.

Failure to timely pay for the evaluation shall also constitute a violation of probation.