Bill > H316

This bill, the Respiratory Care Modernization Act, aims to update the North Carolina statutes governing the practice of respiratory care to better reflect current practices, improvements, and other developments in the profession. Key provisions of the bill include: 1. Introducing the concept of "advanced respiratory care practitioners" (ARCPs), who are licensed respiratory care professionals with additional specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. ARCPs can perform advanced respiratory therapy practices under the supervision of a licensed physician. 2. Defining "advanced respiratory care procedures" as those that require additional competency training, as determined by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. 3. Establishing an "endorsement" designation issued by the Board, recognizing individuals who have met the requirements to perform advanced respiratory care procedures. 4. Clarifying the scope of practice for advanced practice respiratory therapy, which excludes certain medical tasks such as diagnosis, prescribing, and interpretation of certain tests. 5. Updating the licensure requirements for both respiratory care practitioners and advanced respiratory care practitioners, including additional application materials, education, and examination requirements. 6. Granting the Board the authority to establish rules defining the education and credential requirements for individuals seeking endorsement to perform advanced respiratory care procedures. 7. Enhancing the confidentiality of the Board's investigative information and providing guidelines for the release of such information. The bill aims to modernize the regulation of respiratory care in North Carolina, reflecting the evolving nature of the profession and enhancing the health and welfare of the state's citizens.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H316