What the New Regulation Means for Patients and the Public
The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) has adopted a new regulation under California Code of Regulations, title 16 (CCR), section 1399.365 that defines which basic respiratory tasks and services may be performed without a respiratory assessment. The regulation is intended to support patient safety and consumer protection by clarifying how respiratory care tasks are classified and provided.
This page is designed to help patients, families, and the public understand what to expect when receiving respiratory care.
What You Should Know
- Certain basic respiratory tasks, such as monitoring oxygen saturation, collecting patient data, and administering aerosol medications, may be performed by trained healthcare personnel who are authorized by law.
- Respiratory services that require a respiratory assessment or advanced clinical judgment must be performed by a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or another healthcare provider authorized by law, such as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Clear classification of respiratory tasks helps promote patient safety, transparency, and consistency in how respiratory care is delivered.
- If you have concerns about the respiratory care you or a loved one received, you may submit a consumer complaint to the RCB through its complaint process at rcb.ca.gov.
Need More Information?
For a full overview of basic respiratory tasks and services under CCR section 1399.365, please visit the Basic Respiratory Tasks and Services page.
Common questions about CCR section 1399.365 are addressed below:
Contact the RCB at (916) 999-2190 or rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.
