The bill establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which facilitates the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines by allowing licensed respiratory therapists in one member state to practice in other member states. This initiative aims to enhance public access to respiratory therapy services while preserving state regulatory authority to ensure public health and safety. Key objectives of the compact include increasing service access, promoting public health protection, fostering inter-state cooperation, and addressing workforce shortages, particularly for active military members and their spouses. The compact also mandates member states to enact legislation that aligns with the model compact, ensuring compliance with various reporting and investigative requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines the structure and operational procedures of a commission responsible for overseeing the compact, including provisions for voting, meetings, and rulemaking processes. The commission is empowered to maintain a data system for tracking licensure and adverse actions, conduct criminal background checks on license applicants, and correct typographical errors in rules. It also specifies the process for member states to withdraw from the compact, requiring a 180-day notice period. Importantly, the compact allows member states to enact their own laws related to respiratory therapy, provided they do not conflict with the compact's provisions, thereby ensuring a cohesive regulatory framework while allowing for state-specific regulations.