The proposed bill seeks to establish the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact in West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the interstate practice of respiratory therapy. This compact will allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice in other member states while ensuring that state regulatory authority remains intact to protect public health and safety. The bill outlines the objectives of the compact, which include improving access to respiratory therapy services, fostering cooperation among states in regulation, and addressing workforce shortages, particularly for active military members and their spouses. It also details the requirements for member states, including the need to enact a similar compact and comply with regulatory standards.

Additionally, the bill creates a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, a joint agency responsible for overseeing the compact's implementation. The commission will facilitate investigations of licensees across states, maintain confidentiality, and ensure that no adverse actions are taken against licensees for conduct that was legal at the time. The bill mandates the development of a coordinated database for tracking licensure and adverse actions, while also establishing oversight and dispute resolution mechanisms. It clarifies that the compact does not waive sovereign immunity for member states and allows for amendments to the compact, which will only take effect once enacted by all member states. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines, improving access to care for the public.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-34A-1, 30-34A-2, 30-34A-3, 30-34A-4, 30-34A-5, 30-34A-6, 30-34A-7, 30-34A-8, 30-34A-9, 30-34A-10, 30-34A-11, 30-34A-12, 30-34A-13