This bill seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework for recreational therapists and respiratory care practitioners by clarifying the rulemaking authority of the executive director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). It introduces new provisions regarding eligibility for licensure, including initial licensure, renewal, and reinstatement, as well as defining the scope of practice and ethical standards. A significant aspect of the bill is the requirement for criminal history record checks for applicants, which allows for conditional employment while awaiting results. Additionally, it establishes that communications between licensed recreational therapists and their clients are privileged, akin to the confidentiality afforded to physician-patient interactions.

The bill amends RSA 326-J and RSA 326-E by inserting detailed rules for the practice of recreational therapy and respiratory care, along with procedures for conducting criminal history checks. It outlines the process for obtaining these records, including fingerprint submissions and the acceptance of police clearances under certain conditions. Applicants are responsible for the costs associated with these checks, and military security clearances may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, the bill enhances legal protections for confidential communications between respiratory care practitioners and their clients, ensuring that such communications are not disclosed unless required by law, while also extending this privilege to communications with supervised individuals. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after passage and is projected to have a minimal fiscal impact.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 14-B:1