Scope of practice

(a) An individual shall be licensed by the Board of Medicine before practicing as a trauma technologist in the District of Columbia. (b) An individual licensed to practice as a trauma technologist shall have the authority to: (1) Identify respiratory emergencies and perform critical interventions with oxygen therapy equipment, including bag valve masks; (2) Identify circulatory emergencies and perform critical interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation; (3) Identify, assess, and treat, as required, various eye injuries, soft tissue injuries, ligament and tendon injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, environmental emergencies, and exposure and reactions to poisons; (4) Provide topical application of a local anesthetic, (5) Apply tourniquets, casts, immobilizers, and surgical dressings; (6) Perform phlebotomy and insert intravenous catheters; and (7) Suture lacerations and provide wound care. (c) A trauma technologist shall not: (1) Perform any surgical procedure independently; (2) Have prescriptive authority; or (3) Write any progress notes or orders on hospitalized patients. (d) Telecommunication by a physician licensed to practice in the District of Columbia may suffice as a means for directing delegated acts for a trauma technologist who is under the indirect supervision of that physician.