House health committee adopts technical amendments and advances Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

The Committee on House Health and Human Services on Feb. 4 advanced House Bill 2534, which would enact the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and provide interstate practice privileges to respiratory therapists.

A Revisor’s Office representative summarized the bill’s articles, which establish a compact commission, a coordinated database with licensure and investigative information, member‑state criteria, joint investigation authority, fee provisions, rulemaking, and procedures for withdrawal and dispute resolution. The reviser said the compact’s commission becomes effective upon the stated member‑state threshold and that the bill would take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Proponents included Michelle Richard of the Department of Defense State Liaison Office and Lieutenant Colonel Keith Marshall of the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office, both urging the committee to support portability for military families. William Wilk of the Kansas Chamber recommended six technical edits to keep language consistent across states; the committee accepted a conferee’s technical amendment (moved by Representative Howell) and then voted to pass the amended bill out of committee favorably by voice vote. The committee used voice votes for amendments and passage; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the hearing record.

The committee’s action advances HB 2534 to the next stage; proponents emphasized workforce benefits and the need for consistent compact language across states. Implementation details (fees, database administration and any staffing) were discussed at a technical level but further clarification with licensing authorities was indicated as a next step.