The bill establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates the practice of respiratory therapy across member states by allowing licensed respiratory therapists to work in multiple states without obtaining additional licenses. This compact aims to enhance public access to respiratory therapy services, support military personnel and their families, and address workforce shortages while maintaining state regulatory authority to ensure public health and safety. Key provisions include definitions of terms, requirements for member states to enact similar compacts, and the establishment of a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission to oversee implementation and compliance.
The commission will have the authority to create rules, conduct public hearings, and manage a coordinated database for licensure and adverse actions. It is granted powers to establish bylaws, maintain financial records, and handle disputes among member states. The compact will take effect once adopted by seven states, and it allows states to withdraw or amend their participation while retaining the ability to enforce their own laws related to respiratory therapy, provided they do not conflict with the compact's provisions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the regulation of respiratory therapy while ensuring accountability and public access to information.