Bill > A00236

This bill modifies the education law's requirements for respiratory therapy professionals in New York state by introducing new educational standards. Specifically, the bill mandates that licensed respiratory therapists must obtain a baccalaureate degree or equivalent within six years of their initial licensure. For those unable to immediately access such educational programs, the bill allows for a temporary three-year educational exemption, which can be granted if applicants can demonstrate they were unable to enter a baccalaureate program due to limited seats. The bill also restructures the licensing process for respiratory therapy technicians, establishing that new applicants will receive an initial three-year license and must subsequently qualify for a respiratory therapist license to continue practicing. Importantly, these new requirements do not apply to individuals already licensed as respiratory therapists or respiratory therapy technicians at the time the act takes effect. The changes are designed to enhance the professional qualifications and educational standards for respiratory therapy practitioners in New York, with the goal of improving the quality of healthcare services in this field.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A236