HB 653 -- Respiratory Care Therapists

Sponsor:  McBride

This bill requires respiratory therapists to renew their license
biennially and to provide proof of completion of continuing
education requirements before their licenses will be renewed.

The bill removes the mandatory experience requirement for
temporary licenses and the provision pertaining to a one-time
temporary permit to practice as a respiratory therapist.  The
period in which temporary permits can be offered to graduates of
respiratory care programs is increased from 12 to 18 months.

The bill also allows students of respiratory care to practice
respiratory care as long as it is done within their educational
program, and they are also allowed to use an appropriate title
that indicates their status as a student.

The bill also gives the Board for Respiratory Care the authority
to refuse to issue or renew any certificate and cause complaints
to be filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission for
certain causes contained in the bill.

Violation of this bill is a class A misdemeanor.