Mo. Rev. Stat. § 334.870: Licensing requirements, background checks.

An applicant for a license to practice respiratory care may be issued a license which is valid until the expiration date as determined by the board after the following requirements have been met:

(1) The applicant submits to the board:

(a) A completed application for licensure;

(b) Written evidence of:

a. An active credential as a registered respiratory therapist through the National Board for Respiratory Care, or a successor credentialing organization;

b. Current licensure or registration with an active credential as a registered respiratory therapist practicing in another state, the District of Columbia or territory of the United States which requires standards for licensure or registration determined by the board to be equivalent to, or exceed, the requirements for licensure under sections 334.800 to 334.930; or

c. An active credential as a certified respiratory therapist earned prior to January 1, 2027, through the National Board for Respiratory Care;

(c) Payment of any required fees;

(2) The board requests and receives a complete background check and other information as may be deemed necessary to fulfill sections 334.800 to 334.910;

(3) An applicant who has completed the requirements of subdivision (1) of this section and has submitted the necessary information for the background check pursuant to subdivision (2) of this section may obtain a conditional license to practice as a respiratory care practitioner pending the outcome of the background check subject to the following restrictions:

(a) The conditional license shall only be issued if the applicant has made a prima facie showing that he or she meets all of the requirements for full licensure;

(b) The conditional license shall only be effective until the board has had an opportunity to investigate the applicant's qualifications for licensure pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section and to notify the applicant that his or her application for licensure has been granted or denied;

(c) If the applicant provides false or misleading information to the board, the board may automatically terminate the conditional license. If the board automatically terminates a conditional license, the board shall notify the holder of the board's decision by certified mail or personal service;

(d) In no event shall such conditional license be in effect for more than twelve months after the date of its issuance;

(e) A conditional license shall not be eligible for renewal; and

(f) No fee shall be charged for issuing a conditional license.