New Jersey Assembly Bill A4616

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22
• Report Pass: 1/12/23
• Engrossed: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 5/11/23
• Enrolled: 5/22/23
• Chaptered: 11/20/23
• Passed: 11/20/23

Caption

Allows passage of Certified Respiratory Therapist examination to qualify for licensure as respiratory therapist.

Impact

The introduction of A4616 is expected to significantly impact the state workforce for respiratory therapists, which has been facing shortages. By allowing an additional pathway for licensure, the bill is designed to encourage more individuals to enter the field of respiratory therapy, thus addressing the workforce needs in healthcare. This is especially pertinent given the increasing reliance on respiratory care in various healthcare settings, particularly during and after public health crises.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4616 aims to amend the current licensure requirements for respiratory therapists in New Jersey. Specifically, it allows individuals to qualify for licensure by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, in addition to the existing Registered Respiratory Therapist examination. This change seeks to broaden the options available for prospective respiratory therapists and aligns New Jersey's standards with those of 47 other states that already recognize the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination for licensure.

Contention

While there is general support for the bill due to its potential to alleviate workforce shortages, some discussions have raised concerns about ensuring that the standards for respiratory therapy education and practice remain rigorous. Proponents argue that expanding licensure options will not compromise the quality of care, while critics may question whether the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination adequately prepares candidates compared to the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination. The need to balance accessibility with maintaining high professional standards is a notable point of contention in ongoing discussions.