PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE

College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) publications contain practice parameters and standards that should be considered by all Ontario Respiratory Therapists (RTs) in the care of their patients/clients and in the practice of the profession. CRTO publications are developed in consultation with professional practice leaders and describe current professional expectations. It is important to note that these CRTO publications may be used by the CRTO or other bodies in determining whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been maintained.

The words and phrases in bold lettering can be cross referenced in the Glossary at the end of the document.

It is important to note that employers may have policies related to Respiratory Therapists authority to perform certain procedures; including controlled acts and acts that fall within the public domain. If an employer’s policies are more restrictive than the CRTO’s expectations, the RT must abide by the employer’s policies. Where an employer’s policies are more permissive than the expectations of the CRTO, the RT must adhere to the expectations of the CRTO.

NOTE: For the purposes of this practice guideline the term client is used to refer to both a patient and/or client.