Ohio Senate Bill SB149

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25

Caption

To enact sections 4761.20, 4761.21, and 4761.22 of the Revised Code to enter into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact.

Summary

SB149 would enact new sections of the Revised Code to make Ohio a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. The compact is intended to let respiratory therapists who are licensed in one member state practice in other member states through a “compact privilege,” while keeping each state’s authority over licensure, scope of practice, discipline, and public safety. The bill also creates a multistate commission to administer the compact, maintain a shared data system, adopt binding rules, and coordinate investigations and enforcement among participating states. Under the compact, Ohio would agree to recognize compact privileges for eligible respiratory therapists from other member states, subject to requirements such as holding an active home-state license, maintaining national board credentials, meeting any jurisprudence requirements, and having no recent adverse action. The bill also includes special provisions for active-duty military members and their spouses, who would be able to designate a home state and would be exempt from commission fees for the compact privilege. Ohio’s state medical board would be required to appoint a commissioner to the compact commission within 60 days after the compact takes effect, and to fill vacancies within 60 days thereafter.

Impact

SB149 would add Ohio to a multistate licensure framework for respiratory therapists and would supersede conflicting state laws to the extent necessary to implement the compact. It would require Ohio’s respiratory therapy licensing authority to participate in the compact’s data system, report adverse actions and significant investigative information, conduct criminal background checks for new licensees, and recognize compact privileges granted under the compact’s rules. The bill would also authorize the compact commission’s rules to have the force of law in member states, while preserving Ohio’s ability to regulate respiratory therapy so long as its laws are not inconsistent with the compact.

Sentiment

The available context shows no recorded committee testimony or votes, so there is no documented public debate in the materials provided. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed positively as a workforce-mobility and public-access initiative, with emphasis on improving patient access to respiratory therapy services, reducing administrative burdens, and helping military families. The overall tone of the proposal is cooperative and administrative rather than controversial on its face.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are the compact’s effect on state regulatory autonomy and the extent to which Ohio would be bound by multistate rules and commission decisions. The bill gives the compact commission authority to adopt rules with the force of law in member states, share investigative information, and coordinate enforcement, which may raise concerns about state control, due process, and confidentiality. Another possible issue is the requirement that member states participate in the shared data system and report adverse actions, as well as the compact’s provisions allowing discipline based on investigative information from other states. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided transcripts or vote history.