A bill for an act enacting the respiratory care interstate compact. (Formerly HSB 120.) Effective date: 07/01/2025
The legislation introduces new standards for the licensure of respiratory therapists, ensuring that certain minimum requirements are met across all participating states. It establishes a commission to oversee the compact, manage licensee compliance, and maintain a shared data system for tracking licensure and adverse actions. This centralized approach can enhance the efficiency of licensing processes but may also face scrutiny from states concerned about possible overreach into local regulatory practices.
House File 547 enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, designed to facilitate the practice of respiratory therapy across state lines. This compact allows respiratory therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in another without needing to apply for a separate license, streamlining the process for healthcare providers and improving access to respiratory therapy services for the public. The compact aims to maintain the regulatory authority of individual states while promoting cooperation among member states in overseeing the practice of respiratory therapy.
Notable points of contention surrounding HF547 include concerns about the impact on state sovereignty and the ability of states to address specific needs regarding public health and safety. Critics argue that the compact could reduce the authority of states to regulate the practice of respiratory therapy according to their individual standards. However, proponents contend that it supports workforce mobility, particularly aiding military personnel and their families by simplifying the process of practicing in multiple states.
The compact outlines the conditions under which therapists can maintain their licenses across state lines, including the necessity for a valid home state license and adherence to the regulations of the remote states in which they intend to practice. Additionally, it allows participating states to charge fees for compact privileges and includes provisions for dispute resolution and enforcement to ensure compliance with the standards set forth in the compact.