House Bill 316 - Respiratory Care Modernization Act Summary

• Creates new licensure category for "Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioners" (ARCP) who complete postgraduate advanced practice respiratory therapy programs and practice under physician supervision.

• Establishes "Advanced Respiratory Care Procedures" requiring additional competency training and Board endorsement, with restrictions on invasive procedures and procedures requiring physician physical presence.

• Expands scope of practice definitions to clarify contemporary respiratory care practices and align statutory language with current professional standards and COVID-19 pandemic demands.

• Requires North Carolina Respiratory Care Board to adopt implementing rules by October 1, 2024, with the substantive provisions becoming effective on that date.

• Modifies Board composition and licensure requirements to reflect current educational accreditation standards and adds definitions for new practice roles and procedures.