CA AB1972

Requires applicants for respiratory care practitioner licensure to pass all parts of the national registered respiratory therapist examination, with an exception for those who passed the national certified respiratory therapist examination prior to January 1, 2015 and have no evidence of prior license or job-related discipline.

Authorizes the Respiratory Care Board to extend the practice period for respiratory care practitioner applicants for up to 6 months when applicants are unable to complete licensure due to circumstances beyond their control.

Allows the board to extend practice dates for applicants who passed the national certified respiratory therapist examination prior to January 1, 2015, provided they have completed the licensure application and were not previously authorized to practice as applicants.

Repeals Section 3735.5 of the Business and Professions Code and makes conforming amendments to Sections 3730 and 3739.

Became effective July 23, 2014.