This bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to establish a comprehensive licensing framework for advanced practice respiratory therapists in Ohio. It incorporates advanced practice respiratory therapists into the legal definitions and provisions governing health care professionals, detailing their roles, responsibilities, and licensing requirements. The bill also modifies existing legal language regarding liability protections for health care professionals, clarifying the conditions under which immunity from civil liability is granted when providing care to indigent and uninsured individuals. Notably, it expands the definitions of health care professionals to include advanced practice respiratory therapists, enhancing their recognition and legal protections within Ohio's health care system.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the prescriptive authority of advanced practice respiratory therapists, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances and personally furnish any drug, while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. It mandates that these therapists complete at least twelve hours of continuing education in pharmacology every two years for license renewal. The bill also enhances Medicaid coverage for telehealth services by including advanced practice respiratory therapists as eligible providers, thereby improving access to care. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the regulatory framework for respiratory care professionals, ensuring higher standards of practice, accountability, and public safety.

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