Senate Bill 190 seeks to ratify Wisconsin's participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which allows respiratory care practitioners to practice across member states more easily. The bill establishes a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission responsible for overseeing the compact's operations, including creating bylaws, managing operational costs, and facilitating a process for practitioners to obtain a compact privilege to practice in other states. It also introduces a coordinated database for tracking licensure and disciplinary actions and allows member states to issue enforceable subpoenas.

In addition to establishing the compact, the bill amends existing statutes related to the certification of respiratory care practitioners. It prohibits the Medical Examining Board from requiring a statutes and rules examination for certification, allowing applicants to affirm their understanding of relevant laws instead. The bill also clarifies the board's authority to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct and negligence, including provisions for summarily suspending or limiting licenses, certificates, or compact privileges if there is probable cause of violations. These amendments broaden the board's authority and enhance the regulatory framework for respiratory care practitioners in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 146.81(1)(d), 146.81, 146.997(1)(d)5, 146.997, 256.15(4)(a)3, 256.15, 440.03(13)(b)(intro.), 440.03, 440.15, 448.01(9s), 448.01, 448.01(12)