AARC Advocates for SHARE Legislation

AARC is happy to share that the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act (SHARE) has been introduced in both the House and Senate. Both bills, H.R. 2332 and S. 1101, have bipartisan co-sponsors.

The primary sponsors for the bill are Peter Welch (D-VT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the Senate, as well as Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Joe Neguse (D-CO) in the House.

This bill directly impacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) and helps to address challenges that have hindered the effectiveness of these compacts in the past.

The SHARE Act provides a legislative solution by:

• Granting explicit authority for the FBI to share criminal history information with state licensing boards conducting background checks for compact applicants.

• Reducing administrative delays in the licensure process ensures that respiratory therapists can obtain multistate licenses more efficiently.

• Preserving state control over licensure decisions while maintaining confidentiality of detailed background check results.

• Improving access to respiratory care services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where workforce shortages are a concern.

“The RCIC is designed to enhance workforce mobility for respiratory therapists by allowing them to practice across state lines under a multistate license. However, the current roadblocks created by the FBI’s reluctance to share necessary background check data have resulted in delays, inconsistencies, and administrative hurdles for professionals seeking licensure portability. The SHARE Act is crucial for ensuring the success of the RCIC and we look forward to working with legislators and members on its introduction and passage,” said AARC President Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP.