A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 16204, 16344, 18701, 18703, 18707, and 18709 (MCL 333.16204, 333.16344, 333.18701, 333.18703, 333.18707, and 333.18709), section 16204 as amended by 2005 PA 273 and sections 16344, 18701, 18703, 18707, and 18709 as added by 2004 PA 3, and by adding sections 18710 and 18712.
House Bill No. 5794, introduced in 2024, seeks to amend the Public Health Code by updating the licensure requirements for respiratory therapists. This includes modifications to continuing education requirements, specifying fees, and clarifying definitions relevant to the profession. The bill emphasizes the importance of pain and symptom management in the continuing education of respiratory therapists and establishes an interdisciplinary advisory committee to recommend course content. It defines key terms such as "health facility" and "medical director," and outlines the scope of respiratory care services to include preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services. The bill sets forth qualifications and responsibilities for respiratory therapists, including the necessity for licensure to practice, with certain exceptions, and details the educational and credentialing requirements. A limited license option is introduced for students and recent graduates of approved programs, allowing them to practice under supervision. Additionally, the bill specifies conditions for license renewal, such as continuing education and examination requirements, and mandates that licensees maintain evidence of compliance for auditing purposes. Definitions for "clock hour" and "contact hour" are provided.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
