How Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board Complaints Work in Colorado (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations and protecting your professional license
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If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations, you're likely feeling anxious, confused, or even scared. That's completely understandable. A licensing board complaint can feel like a threat to everything you've worked for.
Here's what's important to know: receiving a complaint doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Many complaints are administrative in nature, stem from misunderstandings, or are resolved without any disciplinary action.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, help you understand the process, and give you the clarity you need to respond thoughtfully. It also explains early, practical steps professionals use to begin defending themselves and protecting their license. You're not alone in this.
If you received a written notice from a board investigator, you may also want to review our guide on responding to licensing board investigation letters. Understanding how the investigation process works can also help you prepare.
What Triggers Complaints Against Respiratory Therapists in Colorado
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- License renewal delays
- CE compliance issues
- Address or practice changes not reported
- Documentation gaps
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- Patient care errors involving ventilator management or oxygen therapy
- Equipment handling or calibration failures
- Medication administration errors
- Scope of practice violations
- Documentation deficiencies
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Receipt
Board or regulatory agency receives and logs complaint.
Initial Screening
Staff reviews for jurisdiction and merit.
Investigation
Investigator gathers patient records, equipment logs, and witness statements.
Response Request
Respiratory therapist provides written response.
Board Review
Case reviewed for appropriate action.
Resolution
Dismissal, consent agreement, or formal hearing.
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12, Article 241. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations
Response Deadline
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 30 days), but the exact timeframe varies by case. Check your specific notice for the deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary significantly based on the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and how you respond. Here are typical possibilities:
Dismissal
No violation found after investigation.
Advisory Letter
Non-disciplinary guidance.
Consent Agreement
Negotiated resolution with conditions.
Probation
License continues with monitoring.
Suspension
Temporary loss of license.
Revocation
Permanent loss of license.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
What the Colorado Data Shows
Published reporting can add helpful context about how Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations handled matters involving respiratory therapists and other licensees during the period shown.
- No Action ~70%
- Investigation completed with no action taken (1,787 of 2,541)
- Written Agreement for Improvement ~13%
- Negotiated written agreement for improvement between the licensee and the board (333 of 2,541)
- Written Involuntary Requirement ~6%
- Board-issued involuntary written requirement for improvement (153 of 2,541)
- Other Non-Adverse Resolution ~11%
- Other resolutions reported in the non-adverse category (268 of 2,541)
Source: Colorado Online Professional Review Governing Board Registration System — Annual Report 2025 (2,541 non-adverse investigations completed). These figures describe past reported activity across all licensees covered by the report. They are not a prediction about your own matter.
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The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations Process
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations regulates respiratory therapists under Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12, Article 241. Colorado uses a registration model rather than full licensure for respiratory therapists. Formal hearings are conducted under the Office of Administrative Courts.
What Makes This Process Unique
Colorado uses a registration model rather than full licensure for respiratory therapists.
Colorado requires No mandatory CE (voluntary compliance encouraged) for respiratory therapists.
Consent agreements or stipulated orders are the primary negotiated resolution mechanism and are public records.
The Board may issue summary or emergency suspension when continued practice poses an immediate threat to public safety.
The Colorado Health Professional Peer Assistance Program provides confidential monitoring for health professionals with substance use or mental health concerns.
Colorado requires self-reporting of criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actions.
Respiratory therapists must maintain NBRC credentials as a condition of state licensure.
Tips for Responding
- Respond to the investigation notice within the stated deadline, commonly around 30 days.
- Maintain thorough documentation of ventilator settings, oxygen therapy parameters, ABG results, patient assessments, and physician orders.
- Preserve equipment maintenance logs and calibration records. Equipment-related complaints often turn on documentation.
- If substance use or mental health is a concern, contact the Colorado Health Professional Peer Assistance Program proactively. Self-referral demonstrates accountability and may support non-disciplinary monitoring.
- If offered a consent agreement, have a licensing attorney review all terms before signing. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- Keep CE records organized and retain certificates for at least 4 years.
- Ensure your NBRC credentials remain current. Lapsed national certification may jeopardize state licensure.
Helpful Resources
Colorado Revised Statutes
Statutory framework governing respiratory care practice in Colorado.
