HB 36 benefits respiratory care professionals

House Bill 36 was successfully passed by the Kentucky General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Beshear last month, enabling Kentucky to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact as a charter state. Rep. Steve Bratcher sponsored the bill on behalf of respiratory therapists and military families across the state.

This legislative achievement ensures Kentucky has representation on the Compact Commission and strengthens workforce mobility, particularly benefiting military families, respiratory care therapists, and patient access to care statewide. The bill’s passage reflects the strong collaboration among healthcare workers, educators, legislators and state officials committed to advancing respiratory care in the Commonwealth while directly supporting KCTCS’s mission to prepare a responsive, high-quality healthcare workforce.

Participation in the compact enhances opportunities for KCTCS respiratory care graduates – specifically those serving rural and military communities – by removing licensure barriers and aligning education with evolving regional and national workforce needs.

Pictured from left are President of the Kentucky Society for Respiratory Care Stephanie Brothers; Rep. Steve Bratcher; Executive Director of the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care Tamara McDaniel; and Senior Delegate for the Kentucky Society for Respiratory Care Dr. Lee Wisdom.