LAC 46:XLV.2547. Temporary License

A. The board may issue a 6-month temporary license, also known and designated as an "examination permit," to an individual who has made application to the board for a license as a respiratory therapist under the following terms and conditions. 1. To be eligible for a 6-month examination permit an applicant shall: a. be qualified for respiratory therapy licensure under §2507.A, except for having taken and passed the required NBRC credentialing examination; b. have taken, or made application to take, the required NBRC credentialing examination and be awaiting the administration and/or reporting of scores thereon; and c. have applied within one year of the applicant's date of graduation from a respiratory care education program or the successful completion of all program requirements established by the NBRC for entry level respiratory therapy credentialing. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the board. 2. An examination permit shall be effective for 6 months and shall expire and become null and void on the earlier of: a. six months from the date of issuance; b. the date on which the board takes action on the application following notice of: i. the applicant's successful completion of the NBRC credentialing examination; or ii. the applicant's fourth unsuccessful attempt to pass the NBRC entry level credentialing examination. 3. An examination permit shall not be renewed but may be extended only once for a maximum period of 3 months based on an appeal identifying extenuating circumstances. Such an appeal shall be submitted to the board in writing at least thirty days prior to the expiration of the examination permit. Requests for an extension may be referred to the advisory committee for review and recommendation to the board. The advisory committee or the board may require additional documents from the licensee including, but not limited to: a. licensing examination results for all attempts; b. evidence of having attended entry level examination review courses; and/or c. proof of extenuating circumstances preventing the licensee from attempting the licensing examination. 4. An examination permit that is extended under this Subsection shall be effective for not more than 3 months and shall, in any event, expire and become null and void on the earlier of: a. three months from the date of issuance; b. the date on which the board takes action on the application following notice of: i. the applicant's successful completion of the NBRC credentialing examination; or ii. the applicant's fourth unsuccessful attempt to pass the NBRC entry level credentialing examination. B. The maximum term of an examination permit shall be reduced by any amount of time that an applicant held a temporary work permit issued under this Subchapter.