SCS/HCS/HB 999 - This act would require that after January 1, 1997, all persons claiming to be physical therapist assistants must be licensed by the Board of Healing Arts. A candidate for licensure must be at least 19 years of age, of good moral character, a high school graduate or the equivalent and possess an Associate Degree from a physical therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy.

Licensing examinations for qualified candidates shall include a written exam which shall cover the subjects of anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, physiology, psychology, physical therapy theory and procedures and medical ethics.

Until August 28, 1997, the Board shall license without examination the following:

(1) Any legally qualified person who is a Missouri resident and who was actively engaged in the practice as a physical therapist assistant on August 28, 1997; and

(2) A candidate who does not meet the educational qualifications, but who can furnish written evidence that he/she has been employed for at least 3 of the past 5 years under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and possesses the knowledge and training equivalent to that obtained in an accredited school.

The Board shall license without examination any legally qualified persons who hold certificates of licensure, registration or certification in any other state if they have passed a written examination to practice as physical therapist assistants in the other state and have completed education substantially equal to requirements for licensure in this State.

The Board shall also be authorized to issue temporary licenses and to charge application fees, examination fees, licensing fees and renewal fees.

Any person licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant who retires from the practice shall file with the Board an affidavit, which provides the date the person retired from practice and other information required by the Board to verify such retirement. If that person reengages in practice as a physical therapy assistant after retirement he/she shall reapply for licensure.

The House Committee Substitute through sections 1 through 14 introduces language known as the Respiratory Care Practice Act. The practice of respiratory care is defined as direct or indirect respiratory care services which include the administration of pharmacologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care and observing, examining, monitoring and evaluating signs, symptoms, and the general response to respiratory care procedures.

The act continues by defining certified respiratory therapy technicians, registered respiratory therapist, direct clinical supervision, emergency care, formal training and protocols.

The seven member Missouri Board for Respiratory Care is also created. The Board shall consist of one physician, one public member, one hospital administrator and four respiratory care practitioners. The Board shall annually elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary from its members.

The Board shall adopt rules regarding professional conduct, establish continuing education requirements, renew licenses, and establish ethical standards of practice. The Board retains the right to refuse to issue or renew, suspend, or revoke a license or permit or place a licensee on probation, if the person has been guilty of unprofessional conduct which endangered or could endanger the health, welfare or safety of any person.

The Board is required to hear and investigate complaints, employ investigators, issue subpoenas, and file petitions with courts of proper jurisdiction regarding the practice of certain individuals. The Board may also discipline licensees for a various number of unethical behavior.

All fees collected by the Respiratory Care Board shall be placed in the Respiratory Care Practitioners Fund, which is created in the state treasury. The funds will be used for the operation and administration of the Board.

The act provides for temporary permits to practice as respiratory care practitioners for individuals who are enrolled in approved respiratory care programs. These permits are issued for the period in which the individual is enrolled in the program and up to 12 months after completion of course work.

Persons practicing respiratory care who work for the Department of Health are exempt from this bill.

The SCS adds provisions relating to physical therapist assistants and physician assistants.

The act, in Section 334.749, creates an Advisory Commission for Registered Physician Assistants. The Commission, which is to be appointed no later than October 1, 1996, will consist of five members. One member will be from the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. Two registered physician assistants, one physician and one lay member shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Commission members shall not receive compensation except for reimbursement for necessary and actual expenses related to their official duties.
TOM MORTON