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West VirginiaHB 50152026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

Sponsored By: Dean Jeffries (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§30-34A-1§30-34A-2§30-34A-3§30-34A-4§30-34A-5§30-34A-6§30-34A-7§30-34A-8§30-34A-9§30-34A-10§30-34A-11§30-34A-12§30-34A-13

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Cross-state discipline rules for therapists

Your home state can discipline your license, and a remote state can act on your compact privilege. Remote states can issue subpoenas across states; the issuing authority pays required witness and travel fees. States may charge you for investigation and disposition costs unless their law forbids it. Member states share investigative records with each other and keep them confidential. No state may discipline you or subpoena evidence for conduct that was legal where it happened.

Multi-state practice for respiratory therapists

West Virginia joins a compact that lets eligible respiratory therapists work in other member states. To get a compact privilege, you must keep an active home‑state license and an active NBRC credential, and have no adverse action in the past two years. You must tell the Commission when you apply, report domicile and any changes within 30 days, and report non‑member adverse actions within 30 days. You pay any state or Commission fees, and you must follow each remote state’s scope of practice. If your home license is encumbered, you lose all compact privileges until it is cleared and two years have passed. Active‑duty service members and spouses do not pay Commission fees, and remote states may reduce or waive their fees.

How the compact starts and runs

The compact starts once seven states pass it; West Virginia’s law takes effect 90 days after passage. A new Commission runs the compact, can make binding rules (including emergency rules with 24 hours’ notice and normal steps within 90 days), hire staff, and charge fees. The Commission runs a shared database that excludes criminal‑history records and removes expunged data; significant investigative information is limited to member states. Member states must license therapists, use the database, investigate complaints, report actions, follow Commission rules, grant compact privileges, and run background checks on new licensees. If a state withdraws or is terminated, it must notify licensees and keep recognizing compact licenses for at least 180 days.

Privacy limits on background-check records

Background‑check results are not public records. Private parties cannot get them, unless you are the subject and ask in writing, or a court orders it.

Background checks for new WV licenses

When you first apply for a West Virginia respiratory care license, you must complete state and FBI background checks. You must give fingerprints and authorize the Board, West Virginia State Police, and FBI to use the records. You pay the actual costs of fingerprinting and the background checks. The licensing authority may run criminal background checks when federal law allows.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dean Jeffries

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 226 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 643)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 499)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 185)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/2026

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 643)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 499)

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Senate requests House to concur

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. On 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026Senate

  17. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/11/2026Senate

  18. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/10/2026Senate

  19. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

  20. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026Senate

  21. Introduced in Senate

    2/26/2026Senate

  22. To Health and Human Resources

    2/26/2026Senate

  23. To Health and Human Resources

    2/26/2026Senate

  24. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/25/2026House

  25. Read 3rd time

    2/25/2026House

Bill Text

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