Bill > HB253

This bill establishes a new category of health care professional called an advanced practice respiratory therapist in Ohio. The bill creates a comprehensive licensing framework for advanced practice respiratory therapists, including detailed requirements for education, training, scope of practice, supervision, and prescriptive authority. Key provisions include: requiring a master's or doctoral degree in respiratory care, passing an examination, obtaining physician-delegated prescriptive authority, practicing under physician supervision, being limited to non-controlled substance prescribing, and maintaining continuing education in pharmacology. Advanced practice respiratory therapists will be authorized to order diagnostic and therapeutic services, prescribe physical therapy, and administer certain drugs under a supervising physician's direction. The bill specifies that these professionals cannot perform general anesthesia, prescribe controlled substances, or practice independently. They must work under a formal supervision agreement with a physician who specializes in pulmonology, anesthesiology, critical care, or sleep medicine. The state medical board will regulate their practice, issue licenses, and have disciplinary authority. The bill also makes numerous technical amendments to various sections of Ohio law to incorporate this new professional category into existing healthcare regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb253