Requirements | Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements
Licensed respiratory care practitioners must complete and maintain proof of 30 hours of continuing education (CE) or continuing competency every two years to maintain their license. Review WAC 246-928-442 to ensure compliance with CE regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- May I get an extension of time to complete my continuing education?
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Extensions may be granted for emergency situations only. It's not advisable to wait until the CE is due to request the extension. If you have exhausted all possibilities for fulfilling your continuing education requirements and are contemplating requesting an extension, keep in mind that extensions of time to complete continuing education requirements are only granted for extenuating circumstances. Examples of circumstances that aren't considered to be extenuating are:
- Employer no longer pays for CE/limited personal funds
- Childcare/pregnancy
- Living outside the U.S.
- Course was cancelled – not enough time to find another
- Working in a state that doesn't require CE
- Recently divorced
- Where do I get information on continuing education classes?
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The Department of Health doesn't provide information about continuing education courses. It's your responsibility to find courses that meet the requirements of the respiratory therapy rules that define what qualifies for continuing education credit. For more information, see WAC 246-928-442 Acceptable continuing education.
When in doubt, the Department of Health recommends that you not report the course as part of the 30-hour continuing education requirement for renewal.
- What happens if I'm audited?
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The Department of Health audits a percentage of all currently licensed respiratory therapists to ensure compliance with the continuing education requirements. If audited, you'll be required to provide:
- Certificates of completion
- Dates of attendance
- Contact hours earned
- Course description/syllabus and exam scores for correspondence courses