Respiratory therapist interstate compact proposed

Members of the Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony Jan. 22 on a bill that seeks to add Nebraska to an interstate compact for respiratory therapists.

LB735, introduced by Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, would adopt the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. The compact would become active when enacted by seven states.

Under the compact, a licensed respiratory therapist who wishes to move into a member state could use their existing license as evidence that they are qualified to receive licensure in the member state.

Rountree said five states currently are members of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, with eight more considering legislation to become members.

He said the compact would be especially beneficial for military spouses who frequently relocate.

“LB735 provides an opportunity to grow our respiratory care therapist workforce in Nebraska and ensure that patients who need assessment, treatment and management of conditions affecting their heart and lungs can access this medical care,” Rountree said.

Heather Nichols testified in support of the measure on behalf of the Nebraska Society of Respiratory Care. She said becoming a member of the interstate compact would benefit respiratory therapists who transport and care for patients in multiple states.

“Many of our licensees live on our state borders and go between each state, which means they have to carry multiple licenses,” Nichols said. “Improving access to respiratory care practitioners … improves our care of our patients.”

Marcy Wyrens, chairperson for the Board of Respiratory Care, also testified in support of LB735.

Nebraska hospitals rely on travel respiratory therapists to support patient care, she said, and implementation of an interstate compact would make it easier to attract these providers to the state.

“The bill allows [respiratory therapists] to move more freely amongst the states to care for patients,” Wyrens said.

No one testified in opposition to LB735 and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.