Assembly Bill 193 aims to ratify Wisconsin's entry into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which will facilitate 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. It also ensures that member states can take action against practitioners who violate regulations. The compact will take effect once seven states enact it and includes provisions for amendments and withdrawal.

In addition to establishing the compact, the bill amends various statutes related to the certification and regulation of respiratory care practitioners. Notably, 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 amends Section 448.02 (3) (a) to clarify the board's responsibilities in investigating allegations of unprofessional conduct against licensed individuals, specifying violations that constitute unprofessional conduct. Furthermore, it grants the board the authority to require licensed individuals to undergo examinations if necessary for investigations, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability among healthcare providers 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)