(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person may not practice respiratory care or represent to the public that the person is a respiratory care practitioner unless licensed under the provisions of this chapter.
(2) This chapter does not prohibit:
(a) the practice of respiratory care that is an integral part of study by a student respiratory care practitioner;
(b) self-care by a patient or the gratuitous care by a friend or family member who does not purport to be a respiratory care practitioner; or
(c) respiratory care rendered in the course of an emergency.
(3) This chapter is not intended to limit, preclude, or interfere with the practice of other persons and health care providers licensed by the appropriate agencies of the state of Montana.
(4) This chapter may not be construed to permit the practice of medicine.