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 provisions related to criminal history records checks and privileged communications, aligning these regulations with other OPLC-related chapters. Key insertions include detailed requirements for the licensure process of recreational therapists, such as eligibility criteria for initial licensure and renewal, conditional employment pending criminal history checks, and ethical standards. Additionally, applicants for initial licensure are now required to submit a criminal history record release form and fingerprints, with specific procedures for handling invalid submissions.

The bill also enhances the confidentiality of communications between licensed recreational therapists and their clients, equating them with physician-patient communications, and includes similar provisions for respiratory care practitioners. It specifies the scope of practice and criteria for licensing actions, while also allowing conditional employment for applicants awaiting criminal history check results. The effective date for certain provisions has been modified, deleting the original date of June 20, 2025, and replacing it with July 1, 2026, for specific sections, while others will take effect upon passage or on designated dates. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for these professions while ensuring public safety and maintaining professional standards.

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