The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive licensing framework for advanced practice respiratory therapists in Ohio, amending various sections of the Revised Code to incorporate these professionals into the health care system. It introduces new definitions and provisions that outline the roles, responsibilities, and licensing requirements for advanced practice respiratory therapists, ensuring their recognition and integration within the broader health care workforce. Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions related to health care claims and liability protections for professionals serving indigent and uninsured individuals, while removing certain provisions regarding Medicaid eligibility.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the regulatory framework surrounding drug offenses and controlled substances, including specific provisions for the sale and distribution of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products. It introduces new legal language that allows advanced practice respiratory therapists to prescribe controlled substances under physician-delegated authority, while also mandating continuing education requirements in pharmacology for license renewal. The legislation emphasizes the importance of supervision by licensed physicians and outlines disciplinary actions for non-compliance, aiming to improve the quality of care provided by advanced practice respiratory therapists while ensuring public safety and accountability.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2305.234, 2925.01, 2925.23, 2925.55, 2925.56, 2929.42, 3701.048, 3701.74, 3715.872, 3719.121, 3719.13, 3719.81, 4729.01, 4729.51, 4731.22, 4731.25, 4743.09, 4755.48, 4761.01, 4761.03, 4761.032, 4761.06, 4761.061, 4761.07, 4761.09, 4761.13, 4761.14, 4761.17, 4761.30, 4761.99, 4765.51, 4769.01, 5123.47, 5164.95, 5903.12
As Reported By House Committee: 2305.234, 2925.01, 2925.23, 2925.55, 2925.56, 3701.048, 3701.74, 3715.872, 3719.121, 3719.13, 3719.81, 4729.01, 4729.51, 4731.22, 4731.2210, 4731.25, 4743.09, 4755.48, 4761.01, 4761.03, 4761.032, 4761.06, 4761.061, 4761.07, 4761.09, 4761.13, 4761.14, 4761.17, 4761.30, 4761.99, 4765.51, 4769.01, 5123.47, 5164.95, 5903.12
As Passed By House: 2305.234, 2925.01, 2925.23, 2925.55, 2925.56, 3701.048, 3701.74, 3715.872, 3719.121, 3719.13, 3719.81, 4729.01, 4729.51, 4731.22, 4731.2210, 4731.25, 4743.09, 4755.48, 4761.01, 4761.03, 4761.032, 4761.06, 4761.061, 4761.07, 4761.09, 4761.13, 4761.14, 4761.17, 4761.30, 4761.99, 4765.51, 4769.01, 5123.47, 5164.95, 5903.12