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Bill Summary · HB 2644

Legislative bill overview

HB 2644 establishes an interstate compact allowing respiratory care professionals to practice across state lines more easily by creating uniform licensing standards and reciprocal recognition among participating states. This compact would enable respiratory therapists to work in multiple states without obtaining separate individual licenses in each state, similar to existing interstate compacts for nurses and other healthcare professions.

Why is this important

Healthcare workforce mobility directly affects patient access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas that struggle to recruit respiratory therapists. By reducing licensing barriers, the compact could help address respiratory care shortages, lower costs for providers hiring across state lines, and improve continuity of care for patients. It also benefits respiratory care professionals seeking employment flexibility.

Potential points of contention

  • State regulatory control: Some states may resist ceding licensing authority to a multi-state compact, preferring to maintain independent oversight of healthcare professionals practicing within their borders
  • Scope of practice variations: Respiratory therapist duties and qualifications differ across states; harmonizing standards could either require states to lower requirements or force adoption of stricter regulations
  • Quality and accountability concerns: Interstate compacts may create challenges in disciplining providers across state lines, and critics worry about potential gaps in oversight compared to individual state regulation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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