SB 149: Enter into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

The bill aims to facilitate the interstate practice of respiratory therapy, improving public access to respiratory therapy services by allowing licensed therapists to practice in other states. The compact preserves state regulatory authority to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. The bill defines key terms, including "respiratory therapist," "home state," and "compact privilege," and outlines the objectives of the compact, which include increasing public access to respiratory therapy services, enhancing state protection of public health and safety, and promoting cooperation among member states. The bill establishes a commission to oversee the compact and provides for the exchange of information and coordination among member states. It also addresses workforce shortages and supports relocating active military members and their spouses. The comp…