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 the creation of bylaws, rules, and a coordinated database for licensure and disciplinary actions. It outlines the process for practitioners to obtain a compact privilege to practice in other states while maintaining their home state license in good standing. The compact will take effect once seven states have enacted it and includes provisions for dispute resolution and state withdrawal.

In addition to facilitating interstate practice, the bill amends various statutes related to the certification and regulation of respiratory care practitioners. It removes the requirement for applicants to pass a statutes and rules examination for certification, allowing the Medical Examining Board to require an affirmation of understanding of relevant laws instead. The bill also updates definitions to include "compact privilege" and enhances the board's authority to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct, including the ability to require licensed individuals to undergo examinations if necessary. These changes aim to ensure that practitioners are held to consistent standards and that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated.

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)