Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SB1519

Introduced

1/7/26

Refer

2/5/26

Caption

Establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

Impact

The establishment of this compact is expected to facilitate professional mobility for licensed respiratory therapists, which could address shortages in areas that may previously have faced barriers due to licensure complexities. While protecting the regulatory power of individual states, this initiative also aims to improve patient outcomes by allowing therapists to practice where they are most needed. Additionally, member states will need mechanisms for reporting adverse actions concerning licensees and participating in a cooperative regulatory framework, which includes sharing investigative information as necessary.

Summary

Senate Bill 1519 aims to establish an interstate licensure compact for respiratory therapists, allowing licensed practitioners from member states to practice in other member states with relative ease. The primary goal of this bill is to increase public access to respiratory therapy services, particularly in the context of workforce shortages, and to ensure that states maintain their regulatory authority to oversee the practice and protect public health and safety. This compact intends to streamline the process for licensed respiratory therapists to practice across state lines without having to navigate complex licensure requirements in each state they wish to work in.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1519 may include concerns about the adequacy of maintaining state-level oversight and individual state prerogatives in terms of licensure and discipline. Critics might argue that the compact could lead to inconsistencies in practice standards across states or inadequate accountability if therapists practicing in multiple states do not consistently meet local regulations. Conversely, proponents assert that the benefits of increased mobility and public access to care will outweigh these potential drawbacks as states retain the authority to impose disciplinary actions based on their own established protocols.