SB181 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Interstate compact, respiratory therapists

Summary

This bill adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact to allow Alabama-licensed respiratory therapists to practice in other member states under a unified framework while preserving Alabama's licensure authority.

What This Bill Does

It adds the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact as Article 2 of Chapter 27B, authorizing license portability across member states. It establishes the Compact Privilege that requires an active home-state license, an NBRC credential, no adverse actions in the prior two years, and compliance with the remote state’s jurisprudence, along with reporting and fee requirements. It creates the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission to govern participation, enforce rules, manage a data system, and oversee investigations and disciplinary actions across member states, with provisions for active military members and for enforcement and funding. The act becomes effective October 1, 2025 and includes mechanisms to resolve conflicts with Alabama law and to withdraw or terminate participation if needed.

Who It Affects

• Licensed respiratory therapists in Alabama who want to practice in other member states would be able to use the compact privilege, provided they maintain an active home-state license and NBRC credential, meet jurisprudence requirements, and comply with reporting and fee obligations.
• The Alabama respiratory therapy licensing authority and the state government would participate in the compact's governance and enforcement, including data sharing, handling adverse actions, joint investigations, and applying or coordinating with Alabama law where conflicts arise.

Key Provisions

• Adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact as Article 2 of Chapter 27B, creating license portability for Alabama-licensed respiratory therapists across member states while preserving Alabama’s regulatory authority.
• Creates the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission with authority to govern the compact, including rulemaking, enforcement, data system management, funding, joint investigations, and governance structures (including an executive committee) and special provisions for active military members; the compact’s effective date is October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards