For Initial Licensure

Applicants must complete a two (2) hour course relating to prevention of medical errors prior to being licensed. Approved courses can be found at www.cebroker.com

Applicants who have not practiced respiratory care for 2 years or more must complete a Board-approved comprehensive review course. Refer to Rule 64B32-2.001(3)(d) for more information.

For Initial Licensure Renewal in the Second Half of the Biennium

Licensees initially licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after June 1st of an even year) are exempt from the CE requirements for renewal with the exception of:

• Two (2) hour course relating to prevention of medical errors
• Three (3) hours HIV/AIDS

Licensees initially licensed in the first half of the biennium must complete the 24 hours of approved CE outlined below.

For Renewal of License

Every licensee must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) to include:

• Two (2) hours of prevention of medical errors education (Direct Delivery of Respiratory Care Services)
• Two (2) hours of emergency preparedness - Course must cover the following topics: natural disasters, man-made disasters and bioterrorism, pandemic flu, and respiratory care disaster response. (Direct Delivery of Respiratory Care Services)
• A minimum of 16 hours each biennium must be obtained in approved offerings related to the direct delivery of respiratory care services.
• Up to 8 hours of attendance at scheduled public meetings of the Board of Respiratory Care
• Up to 8 hours of appropriate continuing education in the following areas:
  • Management
  • Risk management
  • Personal growth
  • Educational techniques
• Up to twelve hours may come from home study/online courses

See Rule 64B32-6, FAC for more information about continuing education requirements and guidelines for Respiratory Therapists.

The Board shall make exceptions for licensee from the continuing education requirements, including waiver of all or a portion of these requirements or the granting of an extension of time in which to complete these requirements, upon a finding of good cause by majority vote of the Board at a public meeting following receipt of a written request for exception based upon emergency or hardship. Emergency or hardship cases are those: (1) involving long term personal illness or illness involving a close relative or person for whom the licensee has care-giving responsibilities; (2) where the licensee can demonstrate that the required course(s) are not reasonably available; and (3) where the licensee can demonstrate economic, technological, or legal hardships that substantially relate to the ability to perform or complete the continuing education requirements.

If you wish to request an exception and you have a hardship listed above, you must submit your request in writing to MQA_RespiratoryTherapy@doh.state.fl.us, or Board of Respiratory Care, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, C-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255. Your request will be placed on the next available board meeting agenda for consideration.