Amended Senate Bill No. 149 proposes the establishment of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact in Ohio, which aims to facilitate the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines while maintaining state regulatory authority. The bill outlines key objectives such as increasing access to respiratory therapy services, promoting cooperation among member states, and addressing workforce shortages, particularly for active military members and their spouses. It introduces provisions for the Compact Privilege, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice in other member states under specific regulations, and establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission to oversee these activities.

The bill also details the operational procedures of the Commission, including requirements for meeting notifications, rulemaking processes, and handling sensitive information. It allows for emergency rules to be adopted with a short notice period to address urgent public health issues and outlines the financial responsibilities of the Commission, including the ability to levy assessments on member states. Additionally, it clarifies that the Compact remains effective even if certain provisions are deemed unconstitutional in a member state and mandates that the state medical board select a commissioner for the Commission within a specified timeframe. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process for respiratory therapists while ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory standards.