Nevada CRNAs push for Senate Bill 249 to enhance anesthesia care access

In a pivotal Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor meeting on April 11, 2025, Nevada lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 249, a proposed amendment aimed at enhancing the role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the state's healthcare system. The bill seeks to remove the requirement for physician supervision of CRNAs, a move that proponents argue will improve access to quality surgical care across Nevada.

Brian Hanson, a CRNA from Las Vegas, emphasized the urgent need for reform, citing Nevada's ranking as last in the nation for anesthesia providers per capita. "Your support of SB 249 will help us provide some of the basic foundation to improve both access and quality of surgical care throughout all of Nevada," he stated. Hanson highlighted the current two-tier system that complicates anesthesia practice, noting that CRNAs are often hindered by regulations that require unnecessary physician orders for medications during procedures.

Arthur Savinac, the outgoing president of the Nevada Association of Nurse Anesthetists, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the existing laws have led to a significant loss of qualified CRNAs to neighboring states. He argued that SB 249 would create a uniform standard of care, allowing CRNAs to practice to the full extent of their training and ultimately benefiting patient care.

The committee also heard from Dr. James Stimpson, who underscored the extensive training CRNAs undergo, which includes a minimum of two years of critical care experience followed by 36 months of anesthesia education. He asserted that studies have shown no difference in anesthesia outcomes whether administered by CRNAs or anesthesiologists, further supporting the case for legislative change.

However, opposition arose from representatives of the Nevada State Society of Anesthesiologists, who expressed concerns about patient safety and the quality of care. They argued that physician-led anesthesia care is the gold standard, citing the extensive training anesthesiologists receive compared to CRNAs. "We urge the committee to keep the current model of physician-led care," said Cassidy Wilson, representing the society.

As the committee prepares to deliberate on SB 249, the discussions reflect a broader debate on how to balance access to care with the need for stringent safety standards in Nevada's healthcare system. The outcome of this bill could significantly reshape the landscape of anesthesia practice in the state, addressing critical shortages while also raising questions about the future role of physician oversight.