The practice of respiratory care is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation in the public interest. The purpose of the Act is to protect and benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to obtain a license and hold the title of respiratory care practitioner, to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed to practice respiratory care in the State of Illinois, and to protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice respiratory care.