SB181 Summary

• Adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice across member states through a "compact privilege" system without obtaining separate licenses in each state.

• Establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission to oversee implementation, manage a national data system tracking licenses and adverse actions, and enforce compact provisions among member states.

• Requires member states to participate in criminal background checks, report adverse actions and disciplinary information to the commission, and grant compact privileges to out-of-state respiratory therapists meeting specified requirements (active home state license, valid national credential, no adverse action within 2 years).

• Provides special provisions for active military members and their spouses to designate a home state and practice across member states without paying compact privilege fees.

• Effective date: October 1, 2025; compact takes effect when seventh state enacts it; Alabama courts retain sole jurisdiction over conflicts with state law or constitution.