(A) The committee shall evaluate the qualifications and supervise the examinations of applicants for licensure and shall make appropriate recommendations to the board.

(B) The board may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and administer oaths, and may investigate allegations of practices violating the provisions of this article.

(C) The committee:

(1) shall recommend regulations to the board relating to professional conduct to carry out the policy of this article including, but not limited to, professional licensure and the establishment of ethical standards of practice for persons holding a license to practice respiratory care or respiratory therapy in this State;

(2) shall conduct hearings and keep records and minutes necessary to carry out its functions;

(3) shall provide notice of all hearings authorized under this article pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act;

(4) shall determine the qualifications and make appropriate recommendations regarding the issuance of licenses to qualified respiratory care practitioners;

(5) shall recommend to the board whether to issue or renew licenses under those conditions prescribed in this article;

(6) may recommend continuing professional education to the board;

(7) shall keep a record of its proceedings and a register of all persons licensed. The register shall show the name of every registrant and the registrant's last known place of employment and residence. The board annually shall compile and make available a list of respiratory care practitioners authorized to practice in this State. Any interested person may obtain a copy of this list upon application to the board and payment of an amount fixed by the board;

(8) shall make an annual report to the board containing an account of duties performed, actions taken, and appropriate recommendations;

(9) shall hear all disciplinary cases and recommend findings of fact, conclusions, and sanctions to the board. The board shall conduct a final order hearing at which it makes a final decision.

HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 403, Section 2; 1998 Act No. 280, Section 4.