{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/54.1-2955.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/54.1-2955.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/54.1-2955.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/54.1-2955.html"}],"law_id":368432,"edition_id":2,"section_id":368432,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2955","catch_line":"Restriction of titles","history":"1985, c. 347, \u00a7 54-281.11; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 920; 1998, c. 557; 2015, c. 302; 2022, c. 764.","full_text":"A\n\nIt is unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from the Board to practice as a respiratory therapist or to assume the title “Respiratory Therapist” or to use, in conjunction with his name, the letters “RT.”\n\nB\n\nNotwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a person who has graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy education program may practice with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” until he has received a failing score on any examination required by the Board for licensure or six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner. Any person practicing pursuant to this subsection as shall be identified with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” on any identification issued by an employer and in conjunction with any signature in the course of his practice.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1372294,"text":"It is unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from the Board to practice as a respiratory therapist or to assume the title “Respiratory Therapist” or to use, in conjunction with his name, the letters “RT.”","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1372295,"text":"Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a person who has graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy education program may practice with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” until he has received a failing score on any examination required by the Board for licensure or six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner. Any person practicing pursuant to this subsection as shall be identified with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” on any identification issued by an employer and in conjunction with any signature in the course of his practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52507,"edition_id":2,"name":"Licensure and Certification of Other Practitioners of the Healing Arts","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":4,"parent_id":52503,"metadata":{"child_laws":62,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:55","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:06","permalink":{"id":1469193,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52507,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/4\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52503,"edition_id":2,"name":"Medicine and Other Healing Arts","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":10,"parent_id":52479,"metadata":{"child_laws":183,"child_structures":10},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:48","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:05","permalink":{"id":1468935,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52503,"identifier":"29","token":"54.1\/III\/29","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52479,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":3,"parent_id":52436,"metadata":{"child_laws":738,"child_structures":83},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:35:00","permalink":{"id":1468107,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52479,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52436,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":118,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1282,"child_structures":163},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:51","permalink":{"id":1466315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52436,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":368416,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2942","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2942\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2942","metadata":false},{"id":368417,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2949","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-2949\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2949","metadata":false},{"id":368419,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2950","catch_line":"Requisite training and educational achievements of assistants","url":"\/54.1-2950\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950","metadata":false},{"id":368418,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2950.1","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Physician Assistants; membership; qualifications","url":"\/54.1-2950.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950.1","metadata":false},{"id":368424,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2951\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951","metadata":false},{"id":368420,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.1","catch_line":"Requirements for licensure and practice as a physician assistant; licensure by endorsement","url":"\/54.1-2951.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.1","metadata":false},{"id":368421,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.2","catch_line":"Issuance of a license","url":"\/54.1-2951.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.2","metadata":false},{"id":368422,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.3","catch_line":"Restricted volunteer license for certain physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2951.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.3","metadata":false},{"id":368423,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2951.4","catch_line":"Exception to physician assistant license requirement; physician assistant student","url":"\/54.1-2951.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2951.4","metadata":false},{"id":368427,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952","catch_line":"Role of patient care team physician or patient care team podiatrist on patient care teams; services that may be performed by physician assistants; responsibility of licensee; employment of physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2952\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952","metadata":false},{"id":368425,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952.1","catch_line":"Prescription of certain controlled substances and devices by licensed physician assistants","url":"\/54.1-2952.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952.1","metadata":false},{"id":368426,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2952.2","catch_line":"When physician assistant signature accepted","url":"\/54.1-2952.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2952.2","metadata":false},{"id":368429,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2953","catch_line":"Renewal, revocation, suspension, and refusal","url":"\/54.1-2953\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2953","metadata":false},{"id":368428,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2953.1","catch_line":"PA Licensure Compact","url":"\/54.1-2953.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2953.1","metadata":false},{"id":368431,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2954","catch_line":"Respiratory therapist; 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liability","url":"\/54.1-2957.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.03","metadata":false},{"id":368455,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.04","catch_line":"Licensure as a licensed certified midwife; practice as a licensed certified midwife; independent practice as a licensed certified midwife; use of title; required disclosures","url":"\/54.1-2957.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.04","metadata":false},{"id":368456,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2957.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.1","metadata":false},{"id":368457,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.10","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Midwifery established; membership; duties; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.10\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.10","metadata":false},{"id":368458,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.11","catch_line":"Requirements for disclosure","url":"\/54.1-2957.11\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.11","metadata":false},{"id":368459,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.12","catch_line":"Immunity","url":"\/54.1-2957.12\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.12","metadata":false},{"id":368460,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.13","catch_line":"Exceptions","url":"\/54.1-2957.13\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.13","metadata":false},{"id":368461,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.14","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Polysomnographic Technology; 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requisite training and educational requirements; powers of the Board concerning athletic training","url":"\/54.1-2957.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.4","metadata":false},{"id":368472,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.5","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Athletic Training established; duties; composition; appointment; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.5","metadata":false},{"id":368473,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.6","catch_line":"Exceptions to athletic trainer licensure","url":"\/54.1-2957.6\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.6","metadata":false},{"id":368474,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.7","catch_line":"Licensed midwife and practice of midwifery; definitions","url":"\/54.1-2957.7\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.7","metadata":false},{"id":368475,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.8","catch_line":"Licensure of midwives; requisite training and educational requirements; fees","url":"\/54.1-2957.8\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.8","metadata":false},{"id":368476,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2957.9","catch_line":"Regulation of the practice of midwifery","url":"\/54.1-2957.9\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":368430,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2954.1","catch_line":"Powers of Board concerning respiratory care","url":"\/54.1-2954.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2954.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":368450,"structure_id":52507,"section_number":"54.1-2956","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Respiratory Care; appointment; terms; duties; etc","url":"\/54.1-2956\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2956","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2955\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1985. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 347 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1985 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1988, chapter 765; in 1990, chapter 920; in 1998, chapter 557<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 302<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 764<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1469259,"object_type":"law","relational_id":368432,"identifier":"54.1-2955","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2955","url":"\/54.1-2955\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2955\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2955","dublin_core":{"Title":"Restriction of titles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2955","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from the Board<\/span> to practice as a respiratory therapist or to assume the title “Respiratory Therapist” or to use, in conjunction with his name, the letters “RT.” <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a person who has graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy education program may practice with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” until he has received a failing score on any examination required by the Board<\/span> for licensure or six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner. Any person practicing pursuant to this subsection as shall be identified with the title “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” on any identification issued by an employer and in conjunction with any signature in the course of his practice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRESTRICTION OF TITLES (\u00a7 54.1-2955)\n\nA. It is unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from\nthe Board to practice as a respiratory therapist or to assume the title\n“Respiratory Therapist” or to use, in conjunction with his name, the\nletters “RT.”\n\nB. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a person who has graduated\nfrom an accredited respiratory therapy education program may practice with the\ntitle “Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant” or\n“RT-Applicant” until he has received a failing score on any\nexamination required by the Board for licensure or six months from the date of\ngraduation, whichever occurs sooner. Any person practicing pursuant to this\nsubsection as shall be identified with the title “Respiratory Therapist,\nLicense Applicant” or “RT-Applicant” on any identification\nissued by an employer and in conjunction with any signature in the course of his\npractice.\n\nHISTORY: 1985, c. 347, \u00a7 54-281.11; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 920; 1998, c. 557;\n2015, c. 302; 2022, c. 764.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}