A plan from state Rep. Jamie Thompson that will help people training for a career in a critical medical field gain experience was advanced with overwhelming bipartisan support today by the Michigan House.

Thompson’s House Bill 5150 will implement continuing education for respiratory therapists, who help care for the heart and lungs. Currently, respiratory therapists are not required to complete any sort of continuing education upon renewing their license, which can be problematic if protocols change.

The plan also adds limited licenses for applicants in good standing who have graduated from an approved educational program. The legislation provides this group with a framework on what they can do in a hospital setting, as limited license holders would only be able to perform duties while under the supervision of a respiratory therapist.

“As a Licensed Practical Nurse, I have had the pleasure of serving alongside many respiratory therapists and the work they do is vital for residents, families and communities both Downriver and throughout Michigan,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “As our state faces a shortage of care professionals in several fields, we need to look at practical ways forward that provide high-quality care and access for patients while making sure care professionals in our state can make sense of our laws and policies. This plan will strengthen this field by ensuring professionals maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills, allow more people in training for this career to gain needed experience, and will help save lives.”

Thompson noted the bill will standardize education for licensure in Michigan amidst national changes, ensuring clarity for both care professionals and patients. Currently, the National Board for Respiratory Care provides two forms of credentials – a certified respiratory therapist (CRT), which is an entry-level credential, and a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), which is a more advanced version. The RRT has required an additional clinical simulation exam to ensure credential holders are better qualified, but that exam will soon be eliminated in favor of a singular exam for all applicants that uses a scoring system for credentialing.

The plan is supported by the Michigan Society for Respiratory Care and was previously advanced unanimously from the House Health Policy Committee, where Thompson serves as Vice Chair. HB 5150 now moves to the Senate for consideration.