House Bill 1235 establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines for licensed therapists. The bill outlines specific criteria for member states, including the requirement to license respiratory therapists and participate in a coordinated data system. Key provisions include the stipulation that licensees must pay renewal fees to maintain their compact privilege and operate within the scope of practice authorized by the remote state. Additionally, the bill provides exemptions from fees for active military members and their spouses, and it establishes a commission to oversee the compact's implementation, detailing its powers, responsibilities, and procedures for meetings and data management.

The bill also introduces amendments to existing laws regarding the commission's rulemaking process, including requirements for public accessibility of proposed rules and hearings, as well as the establishment of a coordinated database for tracking licensure and adverse actions. It emphasizes the commission's authority to adopt rules with the force of law in member states, while also providing for qualified immunity for commission members. Furthermore, the bill outlines enforcement mechanisms for the compact, including processes for addressing defaults by member states and the conditions under which a state may withdraw from the compact. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1235 Filed: 456.076, 468.355