Criteria for licensure

(a) Upon payment of the proper fees, an applicant for a license to practice respiratory care shall submit to the board written evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant: (1) Has completed an approved respiratory care educational program; and (2) Passed a certification or registration examination, except where otherwise provided in this article. This examination may be administered by the state or by a national agency approved by the board. The board shall set the passing score for the examination. (b) The board may also issue a license to practice respiratory care by endorsement to an applicant who is currently licensed to practice respiratory care under the laws of another state, territory or country if the qualifications of the applicant are considered by the board to be equivalent to, or greater than, those required in this state. (c) The board may also issue a license to practice respiratory care by endorsement to respiratory therapists holding credentials conferred by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc., or its successor organizations, if the credentials have not been suspended or revoked. Applicants applying under the conditions of this section shall be required to certify under oath that their credentials have not been suspended or revoked. (d) If an applicant fails to complete the requirements for licensure within ninety days from the date of filing, the application is considered to be abandoned.