This bill amends the regulations governing 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 requirements for the licensure process, including the submission of a criminal history record release form and fingerprints by applicants for initial licensure, along with provisions for conditional employment while awaiting background check results. The bill also enhances legal protections for communications between licensed recreational therapists and their clients, aligning them with physician-patient communications, and establishes similar provisions for respiratory care practitioners.

Additionally, the bill modifies the effective dates for various sections, deleting the original effective date of June 20, 2025, and replacing it with July 1, 2026, for certain provisions. It allows for a phased implementation, with some sections taking effect 60 days after passage. The bill aims to improve the integrity and professionalism of these healthcare fields while ensuring a smoother transition into the updated regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 326-J:1-a, 326-E:2
As Amended by the House: 326-J:1-a, 326-E:2
As Amended by the Senate: 326-J:1-a, 326-E:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 326-J:1-a, 326-E:2
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 326-J:1-a, 326-E:2