South Dakota will adopt an interstate compact that allows respiratory therapists licensed in other states to practice in South Dakota while maintaining state oversight of the profession. The bill also requires all applicants for respiratory care practitioner licenses in South Dakota to undergo state and federal criminal background checks before receiving a license. This creates a reciprocal system where South Dakota respiratory therapists can similarly practice across state lines while ensuring public safety through background screening.
The amendment removed detailed requirements for criminal background checks on respiratory care practitioner applicants and replaced them with adoption of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which allows licensed respiratory therapists from one member state to practice in other member states. This shifts the bill from establishing stricter individual licensing standards to facilitating multi-state professional mobility and reciprocal recognition of respiratory therapy licenses.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 579
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 562
Signed by the President S.J. 526
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 553
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 30, NAYS 4. S.J. 495
Senate Remove from Consent Calendar S.J. 481
Health and Human Services Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 27
Health and Human Services Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 27
Health and Human Services Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Health and Human Services S.J. 296
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 63, NAYS 3. H.J. 335
House of Representatives Deferred to another day H.J. 315
Health and Human Services Do Pass Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 1.
Health and Human Services Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Health and Human Services H.J. 165
First Reading House H.J. 149
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Do Pass
Health and Human Services — Do Pass
Do Pass
Health and Human Services — Do Pass