Committee hears support for Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to ease multi-state practice

The Senate Health Committee heard testimony in support of Senate Bill 149, which would make Ohio a party to the Respiratory Care Interstate Licensure Compact and allow respiratory therapists licensed in a compact member state to practice in Ohio under compact privileges.

Susan Collieralo, representing the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care, said the compact "facilitates the interstate practice of respiratory care and improves public access to respiratory care services." She told the committee the compact preserves state regulatory authority while enabling rapid deployment of licensed therapists across state lines during public-health emergencies.

Collieralo said the American Association for Respiratory Care finalized the compact language in December 2024 after work with the Department of Defense, the National Center for Interstate Compacts, and the Council of State Governments. She told the committee that the State Medical Board of Ohio reviewed the language, recommended a minor change, and that change was included in the bill as introduced.

Under the bill, the State Medical Board of Ohio would allow compact privileges for therapists licensed in member states, appoint a board member to the compact commission, and submit licensing and adverse-action data to the commission's database. Supporters argued the compact will ease administrative burdens, help relocate active-duty military members and spouses, and address workforce shortages.

No committee vote took place during the hearing; the committee recorded written testimony from the Department of Defense and Kettering Health.