The bill establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, designed to enhance the practice of respiratory therapy across member states by allowing licensed respiratory therapists to operate in multiple states while preserving each state's regulatory authority. Key provisions include the implementation of criminal background checks for applicants, which require fingerprint submissions for both state and federal checks, thereby bolstering public health protections. The compact's effectiveness is contingent upon its enactment by at least seven member states, and it emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in the licensing process.

Additionally, the bill creates the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation, manage a data system for tracking licenses and adverse actions, and establish rules and regulations with the force of law in member states. The commission is granted the authority to adopt rules, correct typographical errors, and conduct public hearings to ensure community involvement in the rulemaking process. The legislation also clarifies that the compact's provisions will not conflict with existing state laws, ensuring a cohesive regulatory framework for respiratory therapy practices across member states.