(a) General rule.--A respiratory therapist license issued by the board empowers the holder to practice respiratory care under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor or a licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine. In a health care facility, that supervision may consist of standing orders or protocols approved by the institution, consistent with acceptable and prevailing medical standards, which may include services rendered directly to the patient in his home or other residence.

(b) Temporary permits.--The board shall issue temporary permits for the practice of respiratory care to individuals who have applied for licensure from the board and who meet any of the following requirements:

(c) Duration and effect of temporary permits.--Temporary permits shall be valid for a period of 12 months and for such additional period as the board may, in each case, specially determine, except that a temporary permit shall expire if the holder fails the examination. An appropriate fee for a temporary permit shall be established by the board by regulation. If the temporary permit holder is not in violation of any other provision of this act, a holder of a temporary permit qualifies for admission to the examination and shall apply for the next regularly scheduled licensure examination administered by the board. The board is authorized to promulgate regulations to establish procedures for application, credentials verification, examination and licensure, together with appropriate fees.

(d) Examination.--Pursuant to section 812.1¹ of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L. 177, No. 175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, the board shall contract for the development and administration of an examination for the licensure of respiratory therapists. The examination shall be given at least twice per year.

(e) Biennial renewal.--A respiratory therapist license shall be renewed biennially upon application on a form prescribed by the board and upon payment of a renewal fee adopted by the board by regulation.