KY HB709

Creates a new "advanced practice respiratory therapist" (APRT) license in Kentucky, requiring completion of a CoARC-accredited graduate program and either an NBRC advanced practice competency exam or maintaining five specific NBRC credentials

Authorizes APRTs to prescribe legend drugs, order and administer treatments, determine patient death in health facilities, and provide expanded cardiopulmonary care under prospective medical direction

Converts the existing respiratory care "certification" system to a "licensure" system, with licenses expiring every two years on January 30 and requiring continuing education for renewal

Allows student respiratory therapists to obtain limited licenses to work for compensation while enrolled in accredited programs, for up to three years, excluding mechanical ventilatory support and blood gas analysis

Increases Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care member compensation from $50 to $100 per day and authorizes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for licensure violations