Relating to licensure as a respiratory care practitioner

This bill relates to the licensure of respiratory care therapists. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires an applicant for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner to obtain the registered respiratory therapist credential awarded by the national board for respiratory care, or its successor organization, in addition to other requirements imposed by the board of respiratory care and polysomnography (board) by rule. The bill requires an applicant for licensure that is currently licensed as a respiratory care therapist in another state to either obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential or complete an examination approved by the board by rule. The bill exempts a person licensed as a respiratory care therapist prior to January 1, 2027, from the requirement to obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential, unless the license lapsed more than three months prior to renewal. The bill requires the board to cooperate with educational institutions and business organizations to develop pathways for persons who currently hold a certified respiratory therapist credential to obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential and to create continuing education opportunities to support the professional development of respiratory care practitioners.