Committee approves change to CRNA practice language, keeps oversight and reporting requirements

The Senate Government Organization Committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 810 that revises state code language governing certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), clarifies permitted titles, and requires the Board of Nursing to report to the Legislature on implementation and any issues.

Committee Counsel summarized the substitute: “This bill expands the specifications set in code for allowing certified registered nurse anesthetist to administer anesthesia.” The substitute replaces the prior statutory wording that a CRNA must be “in the presence of and under the supervision” of a physician or dentist with a defined concept of “cooperation,” described in the substitute as teamwork in which each participant contributes their expertise at their respective education and training levels. Counsel told the…