As used in this article, the term:

(1) "Board" means the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners as created by Code Section 43-34-21.

(2) "Respiratory care" means the rendering of services to patients with deficiencies or abnormalities which affect the pulmonary and cardiac systems and which services involve therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation, education, or care of such patients with regard to such deficiencies or abnormalities.

(3) "Respiratory care professional" means any person certified under this article to practice respiratory care.