Bill > HF547

This bill enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, a comprehensive agreement designed to facilitate the interstate practice of respiratory therapy by creating a streamlined pathway for licensed respiratory therapists to practice across multiple member states. The compact aims to increase public access to respiratory therapy services, enhance states' ability to protect public health, promote cooperation among states in regulating respiratory therapy practice, and support workforce mobility, particularly for active military members and their spouses. Key provisions include establishing a data system to track licensure and adverse actions, creating a interstate commission to oversee the compact's implementation, and defining the requirements for respiratory therapists to obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in remote states. To qualify for this privilege, a respiratory therapist must maintain an active home state license, hold a national credential, have no recent adverse actions, pay applicable fees, and meet each state's specific jurisprudence requirements. The compact also includes robust mechanisms for investigating and addressing potential misconduct, with provisions for data sharing, joint investigations, and disciplinary actions across member states. The compact will become effective once seven states have enacted it, and it includes detailed rules for rulemaking, dispute resolution, and potential withdrawal of member states, with a strong emphasis on protecting public safety while facilitating professional mobility.

Government Affairs

State Government (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF547