House Bill 299 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed OliverRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Board of Respiratory Therapy; composition, powers, authorities revised; requirements for licensure revised; criminal penalties for certain actions provided

Summary

HB299 would expand supervision of respiratory therapists to include advanced practice providers, revise licensure rules, add a board member, create temporary licenses, and strengthen penalties and oversight for the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It would allow respiratory therapists to practice under the direction of licensed advanced practice providers in addition to physicians. It would revise licensure requirements to include multiple pathways (credentials, temporary licenses with an exam, reciprocity, and board-approved routes), establish biennial license renewals, and require background checks and continuing education. It would add a new board member and increase respiratory therapist representation on the board, and create processes for temporary licenses and disciplinary actions. It would create criminal penalties for fraudulently obtaining a license or misrepresenting license status and expand board enforcement and record-keeping. It would repeal an old regulatory notice requirement and set an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy students in Alabama, who face revised licensure pathways, supervision rules, and potential changes to credentialing and practice.
• Hospitals, clinics, and supervising clinicians (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified registered nurse anesthetists) who oversee respiratory therapy services and must implement new supervision, credentialing, and reporting requirements, impacting public safety and service delivery.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes respiratory therapists to practice under the direction of licensed advanced practice providers in addition to physicians.
• Revises licensure requirements, adding multiple pathways to obtain or transfer licensure (RRT/CRT credentials, temporary license with exam, interstate licensure with reciprocity, or board-approved routes).
• Creates six-month temporary licenses for new graduates or applicants awaiting competency exams, with a possible one-time six-month renewal and direct supervision requirements.
• Adds an additional respiratory therapist seat on the board and expands RT representation, with rules for appointment, terms, and diversity.
• Imposes Class B misdemeanor penalties for fraudulently obtaining a license or for falsely presenting oneself as licensed, and expands disciplinary authority for unprofessional conduct.
• Authorizes criminal history background checks (fingerprints, state and national checks) at the board's request, with costs borne by applicants and confidentiality protections.
• Requires the board to set licensure and renewal fees, publish continuing education standards, maintain licensee rosters, and regulate disciplinary actions (denial, suspension, revocation, probation, fines).
• Repeals the May 17, 2004 notice-of-regulations requirement and makes the act effective October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions