Amends GS 90­648 to define advanced practice and endorsement, and to revise the definitions of practice of respiratory care and support activities to refer to respiratory care equipment instead of apparatus.

Amends GS 90­649(a)(4) to designate a seat on the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (Board), currently designated for a representative of the North Carolina Association of Medical Equipment Services, for a North Carolina member of the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association. Makes a conforming change to GS 90­650(a)(7).

Amends GS 90­652 to authorize the Department of Justice to provide a criminal record check to the Board, and directs the Board to provide the Department of Justice with an applicant's fingerprints (was, the Department of Public Safety. Also currently requires an additional consent form signed by the applicant). Makes conforming changes. Directs the Board to establish and adopt rules defining the education and credential requirements for persons seeking endorsement under GS Chapter 90, Article 38 (Respiratory Care Practice Act).

Amends GS 90­653 to additionally require licensure applicants to submit a form signed by the applicant consenting to a check of the applicant's criminal record and to the use of the applicant's fingerprints and other identifying information. Replaces a reference to the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, or the Canadian Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education, with the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care or its successor, and further requires an applicant's verified transcript to be submitted to show proof of completion of an associate's degree in respiratory care education (was, required completion of a respiratory care education program). Requires an applicant to submit written evidence that the applicant passed the Therapist Multiple­Choice examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care, or its successor. Directs the Board to state the terms and conditions of the use of the license to a licensee. Deletes provision requiring the exam to be given at least three times a year. Makes a conforming change.

Repeals GS 90­654 (temporary license) and GS 90­656 (provisional license).

Amends GS 90­660(b)(6) by making a conforming change to the existing fee for all licenses to no longer refer to provisional or temporary licenses.

Effective October 1, 2017.