Licensure means that only people with the qualifications that meet the requirements of the statute and administrative rules can call themselves respiratory therapists and practice in the profession. Until December 1, 2006, applicants will be able to become licensed by verifying their certification status through the National Board of Respiratory Therapists (NBRC). All applicants are now required to verify their educational training as well as their NBRC certification.

To clarify the situation, the licensing program is operational in Michigan. Approximately a year has passed since the licensing program began and the "grandfathering" provision no longer exists after December 1, 2006. This means that in order to practice in Michigan, you must hold a license. For the sake of the late applications we have and expect to receive, our office will continue to indicate that we are in the transition from the unregulated profession to a licensed profession until December 31, 2006.

Effective January 1, 2007, you must hold a valid license if you are practicing as a respiratory therapist in Michigan. If you do not, then you are committing a felony. Also, effective January 1, 2007, if you continue to be unlicensed and you call yourself a respiratory therapist, you are in violation of the Public Health Code. Even if you are a delegate of a fully licensed respiratory therapist and performing some of the tasks of the respiratory therapist, you cannot be called a respiratory therapist. The title and the practice are both protected by the license.

Although our office does not pursue unlicensed practice, we do refer allegations of unlicensed practice to the local county prosecutor's office for follow-up.