SB0973 Summary

• Extends the repeal date of the Respiratory Care Practice Act from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2026 through amendments to the Regulatory Sunset Act.

• Removes the Respiratory Care Practice Act from the list of acts scheduled for January 1, 2016 repeal and creates a new repeal date of January 1, 2026.

• Changes governance terminology throughout the Act from "Director" to "Secretary" of Financial and Professional Regulation.

• Adds new provisions allowing unlicensed durable medical equipment delivery personnel to demonstrate equipment mechanical operation after receiving documented training, while restricting mechanical ventilator setup to licensed practitioners.

• Increases maximum fines for violations from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation and adds provisions for consent orders, confidentiality protections, and clarified disciplinary grounds including convictions with deferred sentences.