The Respiratory Care Board of California convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding school oversight in the state. The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges related to the regulation of private postsecondary educational institutions, particularly in the context of the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

During the meeting, board members reflected on their long-standing efforts to regain sole oversight of schools, a status that existed before the establishment of the BPPE. Despite multiple attempts during sunset reviews over the years, the board has not succeeded in this endeavor. One board member expressed skepticism about the likelihood of success in future requests for sole oversight, suggesting that collaboration with the BPPE might be a more viable path forward.

The discussion also touched on the board's responsibilities regarding health and safety inspections in educational settings. While the board conducts inspections to ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment, it does not issue citations to students for mistakes made during their training. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of resources and funding for school approvals, as the board does not charge fees for these approvals, leading to an increased workload for staff.

Public comments were invited, with one school owner advocating for the board to take over oversight responsibilities from the BPPE. The speaker emphasized the unique expertise of the board in the beauty school sector and criticized the dual oversight system in California, arguing that it complicates regulation and is not seen in other states.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among board members to further discuss the oversight issue in future meetings, indicating that this topic remains a priority as they consider the implications for both schools and students in the state. The board plans to explore additional recommendations and strategies for the upcoming sunset review, aiming to address the unresolved issues from previous discussions.