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Bill > HF2603


IA HF2603

IA HF2603
A bill for an act relating to licensure as a respiratory care practitioner.(Formerly HSB 711.)


summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to the licensure of respiratory care therapists. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires an applicant for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner to obtain the registered respiratory therapist credential awarded by the national board for respiratory care, or its successor organization, in addition to other requirements imposed by the board of respiratory care and polysomnography (board) by rule. The bill requires an applicant for licensure that is currently licensed as a respiratory care therapist in another state to either obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential or complete an examination approved by the board by rule. The bill exempts a person licensed as a respiratory care therapist prior to January 1, 2027, from the requirement to obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential, unless the license lapsed more than three months prior to renewal. The bill requires the board to cooperate with educational institutions and business organizations to develop pathways for persons who currently hold a certified respiratory therapist credential to obtain a registered respiratory therapist credential and to create continuing education opportunities to support the professional development of respiratory care practitioners.

AI Summary

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, will require new applicants for a respiratory care practitioner license to obtain a "registered respiratory therapist" credential from the national board for respiratory care, or its successor, in addition to other requirements set by the board. For those already licensed in another state, they will need either this registered credential or to pass a board-approved exam. However, individuals licensed as respiratory care practitioners before January 1, 2027, will be exempt from the registered credential requirement for license renewal, unless their license has lapsed for more than three months. The bill also mandates the board to work with educational and professional groups to create pathways for those with a "certified respiratory therapist" credential to obtain the registered credential and to offer continuing education to support professional growth.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

State Government (House)

Last Action

Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 344. (on 02/19/2026)

bill text


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