MADISON – A bill authored by Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) and Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R- Appleton) passed in both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature this week. The bill now goes to Governor Tony Evers’ desk for his signature.
2025 Senate Bill 190 (SB 190) will ratify the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact in Wisconsin. When the compact is established, eligible Wisconsin respiratory therapists will be afforded the opportunity to apply for a compact privilege to practice their profession in one or multiple states. Likewise, out-of-state respiratory therapists will also be able to take advantage of the compact process to serve patients in Wisconsin.
“Establishing the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact will allow for greater flexibility for respiratory therapists from other states to come practice in Wisconsin,” began Rep. Rodriguez. “This can make Wisconsin a more appealing place for respiratory therapists to relocate to, growing our healthcare workforce and expanding access for patients.”
In order for the compact to be created, at least seven states must enact legislation joining the compact. So far Alabama, Iowa, Montana, and Washington have already passed legislation to establish the compact.
“I urge Governor Evers to sign this bill as soon as it reaches his desk, so that Wisconsin can be one of the first seven states to join the compact. This will give our state a seat at the table as the compact forms, begins rule-making, and establishes its data system,” Rodriguez concluded.
