Tennessee Code Title 63. Professions of the Healing Arts § 63-27-106

(a) The knowledge and skills for performing the functions of a registered respiratory therapist shall be acquired by academic and clinical preparation in a respiratory care program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or its successor organization or other accrediting organization recognized by the board or by registry from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Registered respiratory therapists may assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities. Such modalities shall include, but are not limited to, accepting telephone and verbal orders and responsibilities involving the supervision of certified respiratory therapists and respiratory assistants.

(b) Under the supervision of a physician, a registered respiratory therapist may be required to exercise considerable independent clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients. The registered respiratory therapist must also be capable of serving as a technical resource person to the physician regarding current practices in respiratory care and to the hospital staff regarding effective and safe methods for administering respiratory care.