New Hampshire House Bill HB85

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/24
• Refer: 12/23/24
• Report Pass: 1/29/25
• Engrossed: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 4/24/25
• Report Pass: 5/1/25
• Enrolled: 7/7/25

Caption

Relative to temporary licensure for student respiratory therapists.

Impact

The implementation of HB85 would amend current statutes related to the regulation of respiratory care practices. By allowing students to obtain temporary licensure, it fills a gap in the regulatory framework that often hinders practical training opportunities for burgeoning healthcare professionals. This could enhance the number of qualified individuals entering the healthcare workforce, particularly in respiratory therapy, which is crucial for patient care in various medical settings. The temporary licenses would subsequently enable students to provide services under direct supervision, thus fostering a more hands-on approach to learning during their education.

Summary

House Bill 85 (HB85) seeks to establish a framework for the temporary licensure of student respiratory therapists in New Hampshire. The bill enables students enrolled in accredited respiratory care programs to apply for a temporary license, allowing them to engage in clinical practice under specific conditions. This regulatory change is aimed at smoothing the pathway for students to gain practical experience in their field while ensuring their actions are supervised by qualified professionals. The bill was introduced by Rep. C. McGuire and has garnered attention for its potential to address healthcare workforce shortages by better integrating students into the practical aspects of respiratory care.

Contention

While the bill is designed to promote educational opportunities and increase the availability of respiratory care practitioners, it may face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Concerns could arise regarding the adequacy of supervision and the capability of students to handle patient care without extensive experience. Critics may argue that there should be stringent criteria for supervisory compliance to mitigate risks associated with inexperienced practitioners delivering care. Additionally, debates might emerge over the regulations governing the scope of practice permitted under this temporary licensure, making oversight paramount to ensure patient safety.