Frequently Asked Questions about the Regulatory Process
(Hyperlinks to answers below)
 
1. What is my PIN if I renew online?
2. I used to submit my completed CE, when did this change?
3. How can I get an application for licensure?
4. How long will it take to get my license once I send in the application?
5.
6. What will I receive from the Board when my license is issued?
7. What practitioners are exempt from licensure?
8. Do I have to obtain malpractice insurance in order to be licensed?
9. How long is a license good for?
10.
11. What happens to the application and license fees?
12. What will I have to do to renew my license?
13. How do I report my continuing education requirements?
14. Does the Board publish a directory of licensees?
15. How do I report a complaint or grievance to the Board?
16. How are Board members selected and how long do they serve?
17. When and where does the Board meet? Are the meetings open to the public?
18. How can I contact the Board?

 

Answers...

1. What is my PIN if I renew online? To renew online click LOGIN on the Home page, then type your license number in the first window (Number only No A-). In the second window type in your PIN which is the last 4 of your SSN. Please call the Board office if you can not login to renew or update your address or practice site(s)

2. I used to submit a copy of my completed CE, when did this change? Effective July 1, 2007 you no longer have to list the CE you have completed. You simply attest to the continuing education you have completed that meets of one the Board's requirements. You must maintain copies of the documentation for a period of at least 3 years and are subject to audit. The Board will audit a percentage of renewals and ask that the RCP to submit verification of the continuing education that they attested they have completed. You will also be required to submit a copy of a current BLS card if audited.

3. How can I get an application for licensure?
You may request the application by mail, email, and telephone or download the Application from this site.


4.How long will it take to get my license once I send in the application?
The application must be complete and all required documentation must be received from other agencies. It may take approximately 20-30 days for the Board to issue a new license.

5.. Can I call the Board office to find out about the status of my licensure application?
You may call the Board Office to inquire about the status of your application. You will receive notification if the application you submitted is incomplete in any way.


6. What will I receive from the Board when my license is issued?
You will receive a certificate of licensure, a wallet card size certificate of licensure, and a copy of the Practice Act.

7. What practitioners are exempt from licensure?
Under limited circumstances, persons who engage in another profession, students and trainees, and persons serving in the armed forces, Public Health Service or the VA may be exempted. Individuals should contact the Board to get additional information and clarification if they believe they fall within one of the exempted categories.

8. Do I have to obtain malpractice insurance in order to be licensed?
No. It is not required by the Practice Act. It is a business decision left up to each licensee, but the Board encourages all licensees to assess the risks in their practices and determine whether prudence dictates that insurance against those risks be obtained.

9. How long is a license good for?
Licenses are valid for up to one year.

10. Why are there so many forms to fill out -- and why is there so much documentation required in this application process?
The application process is dictated by the requirements for licensure specified in G.S. 90-653 of the Practice Act, and accompanying Rules. Because the Board has a legal mandate to protect the public, applicants for licensure must demonstrate that they meet all requirements.


11. What happens to the application and license fees?
This is a "self-funded" regulatory program. All costs involved with operating the Board Office, paying professional staff, and carrying out the licensure program must come from the fees collected. No State, County or Municipal money may be provided to support this program.

12. What will I have to do to renew my license?
Licensees will receive a renewal notice approximately 45 days before the expiration date of his/her license. Licensees may renew online or must submit the renewal form, pay a renewal fee, and attest to completion of continuing education.

13. How do I report my continuing education requirements? With the license renewal, the licensee will attest to the continuing education completed during the renewal period period. Do not submit copies of certificates of attendance. A percentage of renewals will be audited at which time the licensee will be asked to submit verification.

14. Does the Board publish a directory of licensees?
The Board may publish a directory of licensees. A copy may be ordered from the Board Office.

15. How do I report a complaint or grievance to the Board?
Complaints about licensees, or persons practicing respiratory care without a license must be submitted in writing to the Board Office, and should include the name, address and phone number of the person submitting the grievance. These reports will be investigated by the Board pursuant to a formal disciplinary procedure established to address violations of the Laws and Rules. Click Complaints to submit a complaint.

Once you become a licensee, it is your ethical responsibility to assist the Board in policing the profession to assure quality services and care to the public. If you have knowledge of or observe a possible infraction of the Laws and Rules, you must report it to the Board.

16. How are Board members selected and how long do they serve?
The statute passed by the General Assembly sets the number, term, and qualifications of the Board members, and defines how members are appointed. There are ten members on the Board - two practitioner members, two public members, four physician members, one member appointed by the NC Hospital Association and one member appointed by the NC Association for Medical Equipment Services. The General Assembly appoints the two practitioner members and two physician members; the Governor appoints the public members; the NC Medical Society appoints one physician member; and the Old North State Medical Society appoints one physician member. Board members serve three-year terms, and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Click Board Members for Board member names.

17. When and where does the Board meet? Are the meetings open to the public?
The Board meets every 3 months. All meetings are open to the public. Click Meeting Schedule for a list of the upcoming meeting dates and location. This information is also available from the Board Office.

18. How can I contact the Board?
All inquiries shall be directed to the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board, rather than to individual Board members. The office is located at 1100 Navaho Drive, Suite 242, Raleigh NC 27609. The phone number is 919-878-5595; the fax number is 919-878-5565; the e-mail address is fboyer@ncrcb.org .