Assembly Bill 193 aims to ratify Wisconsin's entry into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which will streamline the practice of respiratory care across member states. The bill establishes a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission responsible for overseeing the compact's operations, including creating bylaws, managing a coordinated database for licensure and disciplinary actions, and outlining the process for practitioners to obtain compact privileges to practice in other states. The compact will take effect once seven states enact it and includes provisions for amendments and withdrawal.

In addition to facilitating interstate practice, the bill amends various statutes related to the certification and regulation of respiratory care practitioners. It notably 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 definitions and responsibilities of practitioners holding licenses or compact privileges, enhances the board's investigative powers regarding allegations of unprofessional conduct, and grants the board authority to require examinations of individuals if necessary. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the mobility and regulatory oversight of respiratory care practitioners in Wisconsin while strengthening accountability within the healthcare profession.

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)