House Bill 2145, also known as Senate Bill 2544, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to create the "Respiratory Care Interstate Compact," which aims to facilitate the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines while preserving state regulatory authority. The bill outlines the compact's objectives, including increasing access to respiratory therapy services, fostering cooperation among member states, and addressing workforce shortages. It establishes requirements for member states, such as enacting a similar compact, licensing respiratory therapists, and adhering to commission rules. The bill also includes provisions for active military members and their spouses, allowing them to maintain their home state designation during active duty and exempting them from certain fees.

Additionally, the bill establishes a respiratory care interstate compact commission responsible for overseeing the compact's operations, including joint investigations of licensees and maintaining confidentiality of significant investigative information. The commission is empowered to create bylaws, manage its budget, and ensure transparency through public meetings and annual reports. The bill also outlines the procedures for member states to withdraw from the compact, requiring notification to licensees and ensuring that licenses remain valid for a specified period post-notification. Key amendments to the Tennessee Code include recognizing the compact in Section 4-29-249(a) and updating terminology in Sections 63-27-101 and 63-27-102, among others. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulation and oversight of respiratory therapy practices while ensuring public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249, 63-27-101, 63-27-102, 63-31-106(a)(2), 63-31-106