Informational hearing explains Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and Ohio’s standards

The Senate Health Committee received informational testimony on Senate Bill 149, which would enact the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) and allow qualifying respiratory therapists to obtain expedited privileges to practice in other compact states.

Abigail Mortel, a policy analyst with the Council of State Governments, told the committee the compact mirrors several professional licensure compacts Ohio has enacted and relies on a shared data system to expedite privileges and to share disciplinary histories among member states. "Through the RCIC, a respiratory therapist who lives in a compact member state and meets the requirements of the compact may obtain a compact privilege to practice in another member state," Mortel said.

Mortel described credential requirements: practitioners must hold a qualifying credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Where a state’s minimum standard is a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), CRT holders may seek privileges; where the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is the minimum standard—Mortel said Ohio’s standard is RRT—only RRT holders could obtain a privilege to practice in Ohio. She said the compact had been enacted in four states as of June 16, 2025, and that the compact commission will convene once seven states enact the measure.

Mortel answered no substantive committee questions; written proponent testimony from Jeff Hoagland of the Dayton Development Coalition was also entered into the record. The testimony was informational; the committee did not take a vote during the hearing.