South Dakota joins compact for respiratory therapists seeking interstate practice

The compact lets eligible respiratory care practitioners seek permission to practice in another member state using their home-state license. The privilege applies in states that enact the compact and join its commission. Practitioners need an active home-state license and a qualifying national credential. The compact takes effect only when seven states have enacted it. Practitioners must meet the compact's license, credential, fee, and other requirements. A state may require them to show knowledge of its laws. The compact takes effect when the seventh state enacts it. A privilege lasts until the home-state license expires or is revoked, unless it ends sooner under the compact's rules.

Applicants for a South Dakota respiratory care practitioner license must submit fingerprints for state and federal background checks. This applies to people applying for a South Dakota respiratory care practitioner license. Applicants must sign a release and pay any fingerprinting or background check fee. The board must receive and consider the criminal history information before issuing a license. It may not share that information with people who are not board employees. The board must receive the background check information before it may issue the applicant's license.