Bill > HB2145

This bill enacts the "Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Act," which allows respiratory therapists licensed in one member state to practice in other member states, aiming to improve access to respiratory therapy services and address workforce shortages. The compact establishes a commission composed of member states to oversee its implementation and sets definitions for terms like "compact privilege" (authorization to practice in another member state), "home state" (a licensee's primary domicile), and "remote state" (where a licensee is practicing under the compact). It outlines requirements for states to join the compact, such as enacting similar legislation and participating in a data system, and for individual licensees to obtain a compact privilege, including holding an active license in their home state and meeting any jurisprudence requirements of the remote state. The bill also details provisions for adverse actions, the establishment and powers of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, a data system for tracking licensees, rulemaking procedures, dispute resolution, enforcement, and the effective date of the compact, which will be when the seventh state enacts it. Additionally, it makes conforming changes to existing Tennessee Code Annotated sections to reflect the new compact.