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Senate moves to require RRT credential for respiratory therapists; grandfather clause included
Summary
Senate discussion centered on a bill to require the RRT credential for respiratory therapists practicing in Missouri, with a grandfather clause for current CRT licensees and random audit checks at renewal.
Senate members debated Senate Bill 10-83, which would require registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credentials to practice in Missouri and introduce random renewal audits to verify an active credential. The sponsor told the Senate the change reflects current education — schools in Missouri now prepare students for the RRT — and said the bill includes a robust grandfather clause so current CRT licensees may continue under existing credentials while moving toward RRT requirements. The sponsor said nine other states already require the RRT and that professional groups strongly supported the change during committee hearings.
Senators asked technical questions about implementation and the bill’s impact on existing licensees. One senator said the bill would raise the quality of care by ensuring credential uniformity; another signaled they would offer an amendment. The Senate moved the substitute to perfection and printed the perfected version.
