Committee hears update on possible UAMS advanced respiratory program, interstate licensing compact and approves 2026 meeting dates

The Respiratory Care Examining Committee received informational briefings about an anticipated advanced practical respiratory therapy degree at UAMS and about an interstate respiratory-care licensure compact, and it approved its 2026 meeting dates.

The chair told members the UAMS advanced practical respiratory therapy degree is under evaluation and may be brought to the committee for consideration in the future; the announcement was informational and no action was taken on the program.

A staff member explained the compact: if a respiratory therapist holds a license in a participating state, is in good standing and meets compact requirements, they may request a license in another participating state by providing the required information and fees. Committee members asked how the compact differs from traditional reciprocity and whether participating states' standards are equivalent; the staff member said compact participants must meet set requirements and pass background and eligibility checks.

Members then approved the proposed meeting dates for 2026 by voice vote after a motion to adopt the schedule.

Next steps: staff will note the UAMS program for future agenda consideration if it advances, and the committee will monitor legislative movement on any compact or reciprocity changes that would affect licensure.